The Citizen - May 7, 2020

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

LOST REVENUE - Pg. 14

FESTIVAL - Pg. 23

PARADE - Pg. 24

Local service clubs losing thousands due to pandemic

Blyth Festival AD addresses 2020 season

Local man celebrated with extensive parade

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Volume 36 No. 19

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Testing increased in homes

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Quite the memorial Bruno Braecker, a former McKillop Township farmer, left a lasting imprint on his community and that became apparent last Friday when approximately 100 vehicles, mostly tractors, took part in a memorial parade honouring the

Walton-area man. Braecker was well-known throughout the agricultural community not just for his love of farming and family, but also for his love of his Steiger tractor. The celebration is becoming the norm in the age of COVID-19. (Denny Scott photo)

While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth Counties continues to trend upward, Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen says the pandemic has peaked, though longterm care facility surveillance testing may tell a different story.

During a Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) team teleconference on Monday, Klassen explained there are 49 total cases in Huron Perth after extensive testing, though results for 1,600 long-term care home tests are not yet available.

Klassen explained that, of 1,689 tests, 1,314 were negative, 326 were pending and 49 were positive, though that doesn’t include the 1,600 surveillance testing in the area’s long-term care facilities.

Klassen said, over the past week, those 1,600 swabs were taken and the HPPH anticipates having the remainder done by Friday. The results from those tests will be made available as soon as the information can be confirmed and aggregated, Klassen said.

As far as outcomes, Huron and Perth Counties have still had five Continued on page 16

Blyth Festival to close doors on 2020 season

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council has decided to help the Blyth Festival during the COVID-19 pandemic, though some council members wanted the funds to be specifically dedicated to maintaining Memorial Hall and others felt the Festival should use the funds as needed.

The Blyth Festival, due to the pandemic and its control measures, has closed its doors for the remainder of the 2020 regular season. Recently, the organization has reached out to its patrons and

donors, as well as to the township, for support. At its April 20 meeting, North Huron Township Council tasked staff to determine how the municipality could help out.

That direction resulted in a recommendation on May 4 allowing the organization to re-allocate an unused portion of the annual funding North Huron provides to the Festival to cover the operational expenses of Memorial Hall. The report included a letter from Artistic Director Gil Garratt and General Manager Rachael King explaining the situation.

The letter explains the Festival’s budget is driven by ticket sales,

which constitutes approximately 38 per cent of the budget. For 2020, that meant an estimated $921,372.

On top of that, King and Garratt assume $182,500 in corporate sponsorships will be in jeopardy due to the loss of the season and $5,000 will be lost due to the lack of the season’s program which includes advertising and partnership opportunities.

The 50/50 draw held at each show, which brought in $23,000 last year, is also being considered a loss, as is $26,000 in revenue from the concessions at the show and the cancelled gala charity dinner, which brought in $3,600 last year.

A RUTABAGA AT BLYTH FOOD MARKET YEP, IT'S...

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King and Garratt also assume the Festival will lose income related to renting Memorial Hall to other groups, which will result in a $19,000 loss for the group, and lose on box office fees to the tune of $10,000 this year. The Festival will also not be able to hold its bi-annual auction, set for the fall, which organizers anticipated raising $20,000.

“In broad strokes, the Festival itself stands to lose an anticipated $1,250,000 in revenue,” the letter states. “There is no outstanding contingency plan that could address a loss like this. No charitable, notfor-profit can reasonably hold

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reserves representing more than half their total operations. As a charity, we are obligated to budget to zero every year. This is a deep crack in thin ice.”

Local organizations and businesses will also lose out, the letter explains, as a result of the Festival not operating this year. Arts organizations like the Blyth Festival Art Gallery, which sold $9,500 worth of work by local artists last year, won’t be operating. The Blyth Festival Singers have also had to cancel events, resulting in a loss of $5,000.

A recent impact study by a Continued on page 22

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PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario, your efforts to beat COVID-19 are making a difference.

To stop the spread, we need you to continue to:

Stay home when possible

2m

Practice physical distancing of at least 2 metres

Wash hands thoroughly and often We need your continued determination and cooperation to stop the spread.

COVID-19 can be deadly.

Don’t put your family and friends at risk.

Stay home. Stay strong. Save lives.

Learn more at ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 3.

O’Reilly starts sanitizer initiative for local facilities

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Helping out Huron County hockey hero Ryan O’Reilly, shown here in Seaforth with the Stanley Cup he led the St. Louis Blues to last year, has kickstarted an initiative to see sanitizer supplied to local medical facilities. (File photo)

Stanley Cup winner Ryan O’Reilly has donated $5,000 for hand sanitizer for hospitals and homes for the aged in Huron County and is now challenging local residents to chip in as well to get over 350 cases of sanitizer in the hands of those who need it most.

O’Reilly, who won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues last year, donated $5,000 worth of sanitizer to kickstart the campaign, 90 bottles (7.5 cases) to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, 90 bottles (7.5 cases) for the retirement homes in Huron County and 90 bottles (7.5 cases) for the long-term care homes in Huron County. Goderich-born Stanley Cup winner Larry Jeffrey has also joined in the fight, matching O’Reilly’s $5,000 donation on Thursday morning.

Jeffrey, a Goderich resident, was a member of the Stanley Cup-winning 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs team. He also spent some time with the Detroit Red Wings during a career that spanned nearly the entirety of the 1960s.

“This is a great initiative for the hospital as well as local retirement and long-term care facilities. We all have to do our part and this is a simple way to get behind the frontline workers and residents in all these facilities,” O’Reilly said in a press release. “Our plan is to sell all these cases and get them in our community as fast as possible.”

‘Citizen’ partners with foundation

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the lives of many and disrupt numerous business sectors, The Citizen can count itself among those affected.

Subscribers to The Citizen should find a letter included in this week’s issue detailing information about the Ontario Community Newspapers Foundation (OCNF), a charitable arm of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA).

Founded in 1986 by OCNA board members, the foundation’s goal is to support journalism, journalism education and the betterment of community newspapers.

As a registered charity, the foundation can issue tax receipts for donations and a donation portal has now been created that will allow readers to support their favourite publication financially. Donations can be made by credit card, PayPal online or cheque and tax receipts will be made available instantly for the full amount of the donation, less financial services fees.

As The Citizen and others work to traverse the COVID-19 pandemic landscape while providing vital, thoughtful and local coverage of your communities, offering our publications up online for free during this challenging time, advertising revenues are taking a significant hit. Due to event cancellations, business closures and cutbacks or the economic hardship facing many businesses during this time, The Citizen is feeling the crunch and asking for the support of its readers.

If you are able, head to ocnf.org to make a donation. You can choose The Citizen (Blyth/Brussels) from the drop-down menu to ensure your

donation is going towards your favourite community newspaper.

The Citizen has been serving its community for 35 years, an anniversary we’ll be marking this fall. Founded by Keith and Jill Roulston alongside Sheila Richards of Brussels, The Citizen remains an independent voice in your community, owned by local shareholders, that has been awarded numerous times at both the provincial and federal levels.

In 2016, The Citizen was named the best newspaper in Canada in its circulation class after placing second in 2015. Recently the newspaper’s website was named the best in Ontario and this year The Citizen has been nominated provincially in the

general excellence and sports photography categories.

Our employees are all members of the local community who care deeply about their work and the service they provide to the community and its members.

Trusted, engaging journalism costs money, however, which is why The Citizen is asking for consideration from its readers during this unprecedented period.

For more information or to make a donation, visit ocnf.org or call The Citizen office at 519-523-4792. To make a donation by cheque, mail your cheque to the Ontario Community Newspapers Foundation at 37 Front Street, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B3.

O’Reilly’s group of volunteers has procured over 350 cases of Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer, with each case containing 12 750millilitre bottles. Bottles can be purchased for $20 each, which is below retail cost, by businesses, organizations or the general public to help support the need to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Cases of hand sanitizer will be distributed to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Blue Water Rest Home, Braemar Retirement Centre, Exeter Villa, Fordwich Village Nursing Home, Huronlea Home for the Aged, Huronview Home for the Aged, Maitland Manor Nursing Home, Queensway Nursing Home, Seaforth Manor, Anfield Manor, Gilbert Hall Retirement Home, Goderich Place Retirement Residence, Harbour Hill Retirement Community, Maplewood Manor and Queensway Retirement Residence.

O’Reilly and several others involved in the project spoke with local media on Thursday morning by way of Zoom, O’Reilly joining the conference from St. Louis. He said Huron County is a place where people pull together and look out for one another, which is why he wanted to initiate this drive.

It’s a tough time for everyone right now, O’Reilly said, which is why help is needed. He is staying in St. Louis and he said it’s been hard for him being unable to see his family and friends back in Canada, including his grandmother Deirdre, who lives in a long-term care facility

in Seaforth. He said this hand sanitizer drive is a perfect way for him to have an impact and help out from afar.

Also on the Zoom conference was Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan, who thanked O’Reilly for his efforts, specifically saying that private homes in the area have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Without the funds or connections of county or government homes, they have been struggling to get the supplies they need, so O’Reilly’s drive should go a long way towards helping that.

To support the project or donate bottles or cases, contact Abbey Faris at 2737468ontarioinc @gmail.com to place your order.

Every person or business that donates one bottle will be entered into a draw to win a personalized Ryan O’Reilly St. Louis Blues jersey. Orders can be placed by cheque, credit card or e-transfer.

For updates on sales, find the Fans of Ryan O’Reilly page on Facebook.

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All that occurs in His wide empire! (“The Sovereignty of God in Calamity!” Delivered on September 20, 1857, by Ebenezer Rogers — two days after the steamship ‘Central America’ sank during a hurricane. 560 of the 626 people on board lost their lives!)

“Upon the whole history of this solemn event, is stamped the record of the absolute sovereignty of God. It is not an enemy who has done this! God is sovereign, and this is the hand of God! All that occurs in His wide empire, from the falling of a leaf — to the extinction of a race; from the death of a sparrow — to the blotting out of a star; is only the fiat of Him, who is from everlasting to everlasting God — whose counsel shall stand and who will do all His good pleasure.

There is a God who reigns in the earth! “Affliction does not come forth from the dust; neither does trouble spring out of the ground” — but “the Lord God omnipotent reigns!”

God is sovereign on His throne! All the powers and processes of nature, are but the ministers who do His pleasure. Rising above the roaring of the ocean, above the moaning of the blast, above even the shrieks of drowning men — is heard the solemn voice of the Almighty, saying in tones of overwhelming majesty, “Be still and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 Let us enthrone above these scenes of apparent disorder and arbitrary infliction — a Sovereign God, a God of wisdom, a God of power, a God of love, who sees the end from the beginning, and orders all things according to the counsel of His will — and here at least we have an anchorage for Faith, a place where she can cling, and look up amid the jarring elements, and say, “Even so, Father, for so it seems good in Your sight!”

Who would not prefer, if called on to submit uncomplainingly and absolutely to the most trying circumstances and dealings — that these should be ordered by a wise, just and good Being — one whose infinite wisdom enabled Him to devise the best things, whose infinite power enabled Him to accomplish them, and whose infinite goodness disposed Him to exert that power. Who would not choose that a Father’s hand should pour the bitter cup which he was to drink even to the dregs?

Oh! to be taught that a Sovereign God rides upon the billows, and directs the storms which have swept all our idols away and left us beggared and forlorn — is a lesson worth to the tried and tempted soul of man, all that it costs to learn it.

In this together Plenty of shout-outs to Huron’s essential services, like the one above in Winthrop, can be seen throughout the community. (Mark Nonkes photo)

To my own mind this fearful event in all its horrors is full of teaching on that great point which lies at the foundation of all religion, but — which men are so constantly prone to forget — that there is a Sovereign God in the heavens before whom all must bow, and to whom all must give account!

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

President: Keith Roulston • Publisher: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Denny Scott Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld

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A disheartening loss Another 150 manufacturing jobs are slated to leave our region by the spring of 2021. Continental AG (formerly Cooper Standard Automotive) announced last week that it was phasing out production at its Mitchell factory and transferring the remaining business to a plant in Mexico, citing a lack of sufficient contracts after losing its main contract with General Motors a few years ago.

It is a sad loss for both Perth and Huron Counties, as many of their employees live on both sides of the county line. Hopefully, everyone can find comparable positions at the many companies that are clamoring for more staff, according to the Huron County Economic Development Department, which has held numerous job fairs for local employers.

While this type of announcement is never welcome, it is particularly disheartening when it comes during a pandemic that is wreaking havoc on the global economy, leaving even the most resilient companies worrying for the future. – DS

It’s gone on too long Many in the media world are now turning their attention to Australia and landmark negotiations between the country’s media companies and tech giants like Google and Facebook in what could be a watershed moment for an industry currently struggling to maintain service levels.

While the exact form of the agreement to be reached has yet to take shape, Australia is boasting about succeeding where others have failed, insisting that Google and Facebook pay news outlets for their content.

“Australia seeks to become the first country in the world to successfully require payment for content. There is too much at stake – nothing less than the future of our media landscape,” Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg wrote in The Australian late last month.

After the tech giants were dragging their heels on a number of issues, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission told the government that resolution was unlikely. The competition watchdog has since begun drafting a code that would see Facebook and Google pay for news content, saying voluntary discussions were going nowhere.

Since their inception, Facebook and Google both instantly became a vehicle for news sharing. In addition to disrupting the consumption of news, making it harder for legitimate news sources to charge for their product, both sites have become major advertising hubs, syphoning that revenue source from newspapers and radio and television stations.

Just over a month ago, Facebook launched the Facebook Journalism Project, investing $100 million into the news industry through grants and marketing. That’s hardly enough to repair a fraction of the damage done to the news media and many publishers and reporters have seen it as a slap in the face while Facebook and Google get rich off of their backs.

Much like Netflix paying for the rights to content or Spotify paying musicians (though there’s an argument much more could be done), it’s time for giants like Facebook and Google to pay up. They’ve made a fortune distributing someone else’s work and not paying a cent. Now, with revenue dropping even further due to COVID-19, the news media has been taken advantage of and we need help to survive. – SL

Save your shaming As the world continues to grapple with the new reality the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust upon it, people need to remember to save their shaming related to the virus for those who deserve it: the people not taking it seriously. Unfortunately, shaming seems to be aimed at anyone and everything except those who don’t want to practise social distancing and continue to treat the virus like it doesn’t matter.

For example, consider masks. While people wouldn’t blink if a doctor, nurse or long-term care staff member wore a mask, many people still feel there’s a stigma if they want to wear a mask to get their groceries because there are people questioning the validity of the masks.

Yes, masks have a limitation as to how much they can actually protect someone, but that doesn’t mean there should be any kind of undue judgment placed on people for wanting to wear them: if it makes someone feel comfortable and safe with what they have to do, it’s not harmful or deserving of derision as long as the masks don’t make people ignore social distancing.

More unfair targets of shaming are the people who have, through no fault of their own, contracted COVID-19. People who have done everything they could to avoid the disease but still contracted it shouldn’t be ostracized or stigmatized, but cared for in the best way possible.

In the early stages of the pandemic, decisions were made about how much information to give about cases because health teams were concerned about people being identified and shamed for their actions, which is a damning indictment of the kinds of communities that Canada has built. Remember, we’re all in this together, so treat each other fairly and only point a finger when it’s right and necessary to do so. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years May 9, 1963 The Brussels Public School auditorium was filled to capacity on May 2 as the Majestic Women’s Institute sponsored a special cooking school featuring Mrs. V. Scriever of the CKCO television station in Kitchener.

The Brussels Lions Club worked through its annual Red Cross Drive, raising $271 throughout the village.

A club representative attributed the success of the drive to local women who were members of churches who gave their time to assist the drive.

The annual chicken barbecue and dance, sponsored by the East Huron Agricultural Society, was set for June 12. Another event on the horizon was the arrival of a ferris wheel at the Brussels park, which was slated to arrive for June 20-21.

May 12, 1971 Local contestants in a recent public speaking competition were the guests of honour as the Blyth Women’s Institute met. All were asked to recite their speeches for the members. Phillip Street, Lori Ann Hesselwood, Jeanette Manning, Banji Stadelmann, Kim Watson and Judy Nicholson all presented their speeches.

William Routly was elected as president of the Huron County Road Superintendents’ Association at the organization’s annual general meeting held on May 6 in Bayfield.

He took over for Harvey Culbert.

Twenty-five years of insurance business in Blyth came to an end on May 1 with the sale of the Bernard Hall Insurance Agency to Brian Lavis of Clinton, a member of John B. Lavis Insurance. The new owner had announced he planned to open a new office in Blyth immediately.

May 12, 1999 Registration numbers for baseball

at the tri-county level were significantly down from those of previous years, concerning those in administrative positions.

As of May 12, 1999, only 44 teams were registered, which would account for about 500 players according to Joanne McDonald, convenor of the league. Five years earlier, there had been 120 teams and over 1,100 players.

McDonald said the biggest drop was seen in children over the age of 15, suggesting the popularity of other sports like golf, soccer and roller hockey were pulling them away from baseball.

Brussels Village Council passed its 1999 budget with a zero per cent increase to the levy.

Council benefitted from reduced costs for land ambulance and healthcare services from the provincial Ministry of Health, whose representatives suggested passing those savings on to ratepayers.

Councillor Joe Seili felt the money could be used to work on some of the village’s aging infrastructure. Reeve Ralph Watson and Councillor Mary Stretton agreed with Seili, who also found support from Clerk-Treasurer Donna White, who said the village was “way behind” on its infrastructure.

May 13, 2010 Huron County Council issued an official statement expressing regret for something Warden Bert Dykstra said in regards to the ongoing accommodation review committee (ARC) process in Huron East and North Perth.

Dykstra wrote a letter to the Avon Maitland District School Board urging it to keep urban schools open and close rural schools if any school needed to be closed.

“I am appealing to you this evening to please consider that if you must close schools in Huron County, that you consider keeping the urban schools operational. Urban schools afford some of the students the opportunity to walk to school.

This is vitally important today with the skyrocketing rates of juvenile diabetes; many of our youth are overweight simply due to inactivity,” Dykstra said in his letter.

“Keeping the schools open in our urban communities will also make it more feasible for the students to participate in extra-curricular activities. In our society today, we have so many single-parent or dualworking-parent families struggling with the stress of raising their children in a normal, active and functional home. Families need the support of their extended communities to ensure a healthy and happy home life.”

Susan Alexander and Alicia Deitner, both members of the Grey Township community, said Dykstra made no effort to meet with members of the community. They said Huron County Council should not be taking sides in the fight to keep schools open.

The new county statement, moved

by Central Huron’s John Bezaire, expressed council’s support for all county schools and denounced Dysktra’s comments.

In Central Huron, over 150 residents, many of them from Hullett Township, attended a special council meeting to discuss fire coverage in the north end of the municipality. The biggest stumbling block remained the $105,000 being requested by North Huron for fire coverage and equipment reserves, a steep increase over previous years.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Policing in the time of an epidemic

E

verybody’s had their routines disrupted by the social distancing required to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take Constables Tara Perkins (Perky for short) and Gabe Morley, for instance. They used to meet for their morning coffee break at a local restaurant, have a coffee and doughnut, then finish off the rest of their patrols. Now they have to run their cruisers through the drive-thru then meet in the empty parking lot at the arena, six feet apart and facing the opposite direction with their windows rolled down.

“The other day, when you were on a different shift, I didn’t have anybody to talk to so I took my coffee and backed into the laneway of an abandoned farm outside town,” said Tara. “You should have seen the brakelights suddenly come on when people saw the nose of the cruiser and decided to slow down quick. I couldn’t help but laugh.”

“Must have been fun,” said Gabe.

“It made my day,” said Tara.

“Yeah, this pandemic has given us a whole bunch of different headaches than normal,” said Gabe. “Like all the jerks who think because there are fewer cars on the road it’s time for them to pretend they’re on a NASCAR track.”

“Last week, I stopped a guy for doing 150 and he tried to spit at me,” Tara said.

“Yuck! I hope he missed.”

“There was a strong wind that day, blowing in the right direction – for me. Not for him. He got it right in his eye.”

Gabe had a good laugh. “Sort of like a guy shooting himself in the foot.”

“Who’d have thought spit would become a new threat. It’s sort of like people have a hidden weapon when they think they can scare you by making you think they might have the

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk virus,” said Tara.

“At least it’s a short-range weapon,” said Gabe.

“I don’t know. I had a great-uncle who chewed tobacco and he could hit a spittoon from 15 feet.”

“I hope he never gets the virus.”

“He won’t. He swallowed his chaw one day and he never recovered.”

“People just seem to be getting grumpier the longer this thing lasts,” said Gabe. “I mean look at all these protests against the restrictions.”

“Yeah, I can see why governments want to seem like they’re opening things up a bit,” said Tara.

“Yeah, but if they make new restrictions on how people have to behave when they’re turned loose, and people ignore them, we’re going to get stuck being the bad guys enforcing it all,” said Gabe.

“Yeah, with summer coming, people are going to want to be on the beach,” said Tara.

“Can you see us trying to make people keep six feet apart?”

“Yeah, there’ll be a 17-year-old girl in a bikini and there’ll immediately be eight 17-to20-year-old boys crowding around her.”

“I only hope they don’t tell people they have to wear masks on the beach,” said Tara.

“You’ve seen those girls. They want as little of

their body covered as possible at the beach.”

“Oh really? I hadn’t noticed,” smirked Gabe.

“Anyway, can you imagine telling them they had to wear a mask on their face?”

“Might kind of spoil the tan, mightn’t it – a square white patch from your chin to your nose?” chuckled Gabe.

“And as for social distancing, we’re sure to get more complaints,” Tara said.

“Yeah, there seems to be a lot of people who can tell the difference between five feet eleven-and-a-half inches and six feet and a half an inch from 50 yards away, ” said Gabe.

“I think there’s still a strong Puritan streak in some people,” said Tara. “A bit of ‘If I’m not having any fun, you should be miserable too!’

Some of these people would have done really well in the old Soviet Union where you were rewarded for reporting on your neighbours.”

“It does have its lighter moments, though” laughed Gabe. “I was driving down a residential street the other day and this guy jumps out in front of me and flags me down, ‘My neighbour’s getting too close,’ he says.”

“I asked him who the neighbour was getting too close with and he said ‘With my wife!’

“I asked when, and he said ‘Right now!’

“I asked where, and he said ‘Up there!’ and pointed to the upstairs window of his house.

‘The two of them have work-at-home jobs and I just came back from my essential job and found them at it in our bedroom.’

“I told him I was sorry but the state has had no place in the bedrooms of the nation since before the Prime Minister was a twinkle in his father’s eye, so there wasn’t much I could do.

‘However, if they ever decide to try out a public park, social distancing laws apply, so give me a call!’”

Still the best way to keep up to date

I

know I don’t have to tell most readers of The Citizen this, but community newspapers are the place to find out what’s going on and the importance of that relationship with our local community is becoming more and more prevalent through the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures.

As webmaster for The Citizen I can tell you our effort to continue to stay in touch with our readers, whether they can get to the mailbox or post office or not, has been some of the most successful digital endeavours we’ve had to date. We’ve had hundreds of people taking a look at our free digital editions with dozens, and with some issues, hundreds, of them reading it cover to cover and it’s just one way we’re trying to reach out to people.

That means our writers, be they part of the editorial department or contributors, and our photographers are getting their work in front of more eyes than ever before by my math (if you discount the special section we did for the 100th International Plowing Match a few years ago).

It also means our advertisers are getting more eyes on them than ever before and that’s something I feel needs to be addressed.

I’m something of a “shop local” aficionado.

Not only do I go out of my way to buy things as locally as possible, but I encourage other people to do so. Sometimes that means saying, “hey, have you tried [new product] from [local business]?” to everyone I see.

Other times, it means contacting friends and family when I’m ordering something from a local producer to see if anyone else wants anything.

During this pandemic, shopping locally has become more important than ever and easier than ever, especially if you know where to look and I guess that’s the point of me

Denny Scott Denny’s Den writing this: people need to know about your services and businesses to take advantage of them.

Take, for example, our Mother’s Day special advertising section last week: it was filled with great ideas about where to shop for your mother/wife for Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, with many of the businesses offering online ordering, curbside pick-up and/or delivery.

So with this groundswell of readers tuning in digitally and businesses needing more and more to get in front of people’s eyes, I’m always a bit surprised when I hear about someone thinking they don’t need to advertise in the paper, and especially surprised when it’s a business I’ve made a point to patronize.

This isn’t a finger-wagging situation. I’m never going to shame someone for not advertising in The Citizen. I’m also never going to allow my shopping habits to be dictated by who has advertisements in the newspaper. It’s fair to say, however, I wouldn’t be living in Blyth and spending money in Blyth, Brussels and every surrounding community if the newspaper wasn’t here.

Now, more than ever, we need to know about local businesses and services offered locally because we’re all doing our best to stay away from COVID-19 and, miraculously, North Huron still has zero reported cases of residents with the virus (though those numbers could change between when I write this and when you read it).

In the same way I’ve been telling every person I’ve talked to that The Citizen is available online to read during the pandemic, businesses need to tell people what they’re offering during the COVID-19 control measures or else customers aren’t even going to think of them. That’s especially true of smaller businesses which may not always be in the forefront of people’s minds when they think about shopping.

I’m not going to lie and say I only shop at businesses I find in The Citizen, but I will say whenever my wife wants to buy something new, from big purchases like a vehicle down to finding a place to get breakfast, the first place I tell her to look is in the newspaper (or more accurately, the first place I look is the newspaper then pass on contact information to her).

Sure, Facebook may find you some local customers, but, by far, especially with our recently invigorated online presence, I believe The Citizen will find you more.

So if you’re a producer, a restaurant, a service provider or any other kind of business under the sun, give us a call because people continue to read the newspaper. You’re proving it right now.

Final Thought All great masters are chiefly distinguished by the power of adding a second, a third and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line.

Many a man had taken the first step. With every additional step you enhance immensely the value of you first.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Good with the bad

I

n my professional life here at The Citizen, which is inching closer and closer to 15 years, I’ve always been mentored to avoid emotional extremes. In other words: don’t get too high on the highs or too low on the lows.

Anyone who has ever met Citizen founder and former Publisher Keith Roulston shouldn’t be surprised to hear that advice came from him. He follows his own wisdom, keeping an even keel through just about anything. He always told Denny and me to not let our heads inflate when we’re praised and to not get too down when we’re criticized. Both will happen and neither will be the final word on anything.

This year The Citizen is up for provincial awards for general excellence and sports photography. This comes after a rather consistent awards run over the last six years.

In addition to multiple award wins in the 1980s and 1990s, The Citizen has had a resurgence in recent years, beginning in 2015 when we won silver in the general excellence, front page and editorial page categories in the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards.

The following year we won national gold.

It was a time of celebration for us. It was so satisfying to speak to readers and community members on the street about our national recognition, not just for the newspaper, but for the community, its people and their stories.

The following year, riding a high of steady ascension, we figured we’d get comfortable atop the mountain after another good year and much to our surprise we didn’t even place.

To say Denny and I were disappointed would be an understatement, but that’s when Keith’s words came in. He had congratulated us when we won, but when we didn’t, he told us how arbitrary the selection process can be and that we shouldn’t feel as though we haven’t been doing a good job. Look to your readers, he said, as a barometer. They will always tell you how you’re doing.

As I’ve grown up working at The Citizen, I’ve always found our readers to be warm and supportive. There are complaints, sure, but they usually come in a civilized manner about something that could have been done better.

Like years of hits and misses with awards, we’ve learned to not let our emotions stray too far above or below the equator. A compliment is great and it gives us the support we need, but a complaint isn’t the end of the world.

As the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown measures drag on, engagement with readers has been at an all-time high. We’re reaching out for creative story ideas and pictures, all while making our entire issue available for free on our website as a community service during this time. We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from people on our content and our outreach into the community, likely because people are finally bored enough to reach out.

At the same time, we’ve been hearing from people who are grumpy about one thing or another, likely for the exact same reason.

Just last week, Denny and I received lovely thank-you cards from a reader, complete with a little bonus (thank you kindly, by the way). A few days later we got an e-mail with a laundry list of complaints, many of them political.

Again, it’s important, especially as the world wrestles with COVID-19, to not let the thankyou cards make you or the e-mails break you.

As we’ve been telling the community’s story and the stories of those affected by the state of the world right now, we have our own stories of uncertainty, concern and stress. We are holding on, but we also need support. We need to celebrate the good, shrug off the bad, keep an even keel and do it all again tomorrow.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Douma fills community with music from church

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Village organist Mary Douma, shown above receiving her Citizen of the Year award last year from Citizen Editor Shawn Loughin, has been filling her village of Brussels with music twice a week since the COVID-19 pandemic started. (File photo)

At the Branch

Sports events delayed

By Jo-Ann McDonald The week at the Brussels Legion Branch included the general meeting for the month of April held via Zoom. There were 12 members of the executive online attending the meeting. The meeting started in the usual manner with the Legion opening ceremonies. Roll call was followed with some opening comments by President Jamie Mitchell. Minutes from the previous meetings on March 3, March 17 and April 17 had been e-mailed to all earlier and were reviewed.

Standing committees made their reports. The seniors’ report included an update on the literacy program.

Those who inquired about the program or are interested in submitting a poem or story have until the end of May to send their entries to Brussels Legion, P.O. Box 128, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0. They will be judged and an afternoon to celebrate will be planned when COVID-19 is over. If you need information, please contact the Branch at 519-887-6562, leave your name and number and someone will get back to you.

The Provincial Service Officer will not be making in-person meetings this time, but she will be glad to speak with anyone wishing to talk. She is normally here in May. Call the Branch Service Officer Mabel Glanville and she will pass your name and number onto Service Officer Rebecca so she can contact you.

The sports chairman reported that all provincial sports events are cancelled and the 2020 hosts will host in 2021.

The Branch house committee reports the office is finished, the ceiling tiles have been replaced in the lounge, the accessible washroom ceiling has been painted, the banners have been hung, the garbage bin has been built and placed and the maple leaf at the side door will be painted.

All catering events have been cancelled and no new ones have been booked as we wait out COVID19. All fish fry events have been cancelled through to the end of July at this time.

Elections are normally held in April and they will be postponed until such time as the executive can meet again. Lawn-cutting will be

looked after by Jim and Sandra Brown. The previously ordered veterans’ banners are done and can be picked up when the business can reopen. Members reported on the older members they were to contact on how they are getting along and to offer assistance if they need it. Five members needed to take e-training and three have completed it and passed and the other two will get it done shortly.

Decoration Sunday was discussed and a decision will be made in May. The next general meeting will also be a Zoom meeting. Discussion was held about doing a drive-by fish fry in June and inquiries will be made with the Health Unit on protocol.

The meeting concluded in the usual manner.

Brussels residents have been treated by music twice weekly since the COVID-19 pandemic began courtesy of Melville Presbyterian Church pianist and organist Mary Douma.

Douma has been playing music on the church organ, which is projected throughout the village, every Wednesday night at 7:15 p.m. and then again every Sunday afternoon at 1:15 p.m. She says she began the regular engagements with the church organ weeks ago as a tribute to the front-line workers living in the village.

After the shooting in Nova Scotia that claimed the lives of 22 people and injured more, Douma said she made a point to play “Farewell to Nova Scotia” during her time behind the keys.

What her time has become known for, however, is “You Raise Me Up”, which she plays every time she is at the church.

When asked why she decided to do it, Douma jokes and says, “what else have I got to do?” though she says it is a heartfelt tribute to the front-line workers out there that has been appreciated by many residents and neighbours.

One of the performances has been recorded and posted on social media, which has helped to spread the word, and Douma has also received some calls from people saying they happen to hear the bells at just the right time in the day to lift their spirits.

Doing some research, Douma said she found that the organ’s bell system was brought into the church in the early 1950s by the church organist and that has made projecting the sound throughout the village possible. Douma says Melville Presbyterian Church is one of the only area churches, and certainly the only church in Brussels, with that capability.

Douma says she isn’t quite sure how much longer she’ll continue,

but she was thinking she would do it for at least another month or until businesses and public buildings begin to open and life returns with a relative level of normalcy.

Douma has been playing piano

and organ at the church for a number of years. She was named the Brussels Citizen of the Year by North Huron Publishing Inc. last year for her extensive volunteerism throughout the community.

Hope a welcome sign A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Hope has to be the best thing going. As we move along, these strange days can be quite hard looking for good things in the days ahead. Planning is out and meeting still questionable; routine shot. Big breath, keep calm and carry on.

By moving into May, we see hope right there. Warm days, Mother’s Day on the horizon and watching the changing green and seeing the many blooms that are everywhere. Oh yes, hope lives.

If nothing else, these past weeks of solitude have given us time to think. In this very strange time, we try to reason and compare to other world events. It doesn’t work. We are fortunate that we have had very limited events that compare to what we’re going through now. For our community – no floods, no hurricanes, no wars, air crashes, Ebola or SARS. We have been blessed.

All over the globe, disasters happen, each is unique and often limited in geography. We have had nothing! This event affects us and many in the world, making the globe seem small. When you’ve given this pandemic a lot of thought, you realize we are in new territory, making our way as best we can. It seems small, but when everyone does a little, big things happen.

When we all kept our distance,

stayed healthy and washed our hands, we did our part in getting this virus under control. Keep up this very important work.

In the past weeks of physical distancing, many good things have happened. Music, church and programs of many types were made available, shared meals and baking happened, blue ribbons came out, people waved and smiled, window dressing appeared, grocery delivery happened, phone calls and Facetime helped pass the solitude.

Keep it up.

These past few weeks have made us all equal. Money, status, age or nationality are not considered when restrictions happen. We all work for the common goal, to snuff the virus.

Only proximity to others helps COVID-19 thrive, so don’t do it. Be nice, be kind and smile as you move along. We all need to work together in this.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

The Citizen offices will be closed on

MONDAY, MAY 18 for

The deadline for the May 21 paper will be Friday May 15 by 4:00 pm Please call or email ads (office remains closed to public)

Keeping busy Some people are itching to do something constructive during the COVID-19 physical distancing time and some people, like Brian Deitner of Brussels, have taken to their spring landscaping. (Hannah Dickie photo)

519-523-4792 email: info@northhuron.on.ca 405 Queen St. Blyth 519-523-4792

541 Turnberry St. Brussels 519-887-9114

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 7.

BIA takes notice of skateboarder influx

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Spirit Day revised Blyth’s Shannon triplets, from left, Summer, Kyla and Jordan recently took part in an online sports-oriented spirit day for students at Hullett Central Public School. (Photo submitted)

The absence of the community’s skating park is being noticed by local residents, Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Chair David Sparling said, as skateboarders are using, and potentially damaging, downtown infrastructure instead of going to the skate park.

The park, which includes equipment located at the Blyth Campground adjacent to the Blyth and District Community Centre, hasn’t been set up yet and, as a result, Sparling said, skateboarders have migrated to the village’s main street doing tricks using the new concrete pad at the Blyth Pharmacy and the steps at Blyth Memorial Hall.

“I’ve reached out to North Huron regarding any bylaws against

skateboarding,” he said. “For the pharmacy, it’s a big concern because an elderly person attempting to get into the business from the accessible parking spaces could be overcome by four or five skateboarders.

“It’s a real reminder of the value of the skateboard park,” Sparling said.

“Obviously these people are typically there instead of main street.”

Councillor Kevin Falconer, North Huron Council’s representative on the BIA, said he would suggest to council the skateboarding equipment should be assembled and put out.

Sparling said that would be good as long as social distancing guidelines were followed at the park.

“I’m surprised at the number of skateboarders that would normally be at that park,” he said.

Blyth Outdoor Market cancelled for now

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Blyth Business Improvement Area’s (BIA) outdoor market may not be held this year, however BIA Chair David Sparling wants to make sure there is a way for the BIA to keep working with the market’s vendors.

“It can’t go on at this point,” he said during the BIA’s April 30

meeting. “We do have the possibility of going online though.”

Sparling explained he would like to see market vendors listed on the BIA’s website, blythnow.ca, to enable people to buy from them throughout the week and then have a “pick-up” day set up on Thursday when the market would regularly be held if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said vendors like the cheese

and produce vendors could easily sell items online then provide them with a curbside pick-up beside the Blyth Pharmacy where the market is typically held.

“That would be a win-win,” Sparling said. “These producers are growing vegetables and produce and no one can buy it, and that’s not good.”

He said other organizations have implemented similar systems for

COVID-19 hurts Lions’ budget

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Blyth Lions Club is out as much as $10,000 due to delayed or cancelled events during the COVID19 pandemic, according to Lion John Stewart.

During the Blyth Business Improvement Area’s (BIA) April 30 meeting, Stewart explained numerous activities had been postponed or cancelled, including an annual luncheon the group hosts for a high school theatre program hosted in Blyth, activities associated with the Barn Dance Historical Society’s Campout and Jamboree hosted in Blyth, the club’s own steak barbecue and two breakfasts associated with the Blyth Festival’s Bonanza Weekend.

Paired with losing rental income

for May and June at the Blyth Lions Park, at least, Stewart said the changes have cost the organization $9,000 to $10,000. Those funds would typically go to running the Lions Park in the summer, he said.

“It’s a pretty good expense to keep that operating and in good shape,” he said. “Right now the park is closed, but we have hired two students to operate the wading pool if and when it gets operational.”

While the Lions have delayed or postponed a number of events, the group is hopeful other events will continue, Stewart said, highlighting two specific events: the Blyth Lions Club’s 75th anniversary, set for July 11, and the Charlie Shaw Memorial Golf Tournament, set for July 24.

A final decision on the anniversary will be made later this

Happy Mother’s Day From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy Birthday to Joe Fraser who celebrates May 10; Gwen Papple, May 11; Braydon Whitfield, May 13 and Rob Mason, May 13.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. This year will be a little different because of the physical distancing. There will likely be many drive-by celebrations.

This week will see a little relaxation of the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic we have all had to learn new things to do. For some of us who are older it takes a little longer to teach an old dog a new trick but eventually we do get it.

During this time of isolation, there are many things we can do to keep our minds busy. We can call someone we haven’t talked to in a long time or we could do some house cleaning, which some of us do not like to do. The good weather is coming so we can plant our gardens and watch them grow.

Thanks to all who are working on the frontlines and keeping the rest of us safe. Stay home and stay safe.

This too will pass.

month, Stewart said, while the tournament’s future depends on when golf courses will be allowed to open.

“If we can go ahead with the tournament, we will look to scale it down,” Stewart said. “We wanted to involve as many people from the community as possible, but knowing how COVID-19 has impacted individuals and businesses we don’t want to put an extra burden on those businesses.”

Stewart also said the club’s offer of delivering groceries from the Blyth Food Market has seen little uptake, but the club is still offering it.

BIA Chair David Sparling asked if the club would be hosting its annual Seed Sowers barbecue and Stewart said the club hopes so.

The event is typically held in June, Stewart said, and the club is hoping to have it in August or September and have booked Lions Park for prospective weekends.

After receiving Stewart’s report, Sparling reminded the BIA that the executive position representing local service clubs remained vacant.

The position was previously held

by Crystal Taylor, who was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, however she is no longer with the organization.

“We’re reaching out to the Lions and Legion to look for a representative,” Sparling said.

Visit The Citizen’s website at huroncitizen.ca to keep up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic

their outdoor markets and he said it only made sense.

“The reality is, if we don’t look after our vendors now by offering comparable market options, we risk having a marketplace no one is interested in [when we can reopen it],” he said.

Not being able to host the market will also have an impact on the BIA’s budget, Sparling said, as there were decreased costs, but commensurate decreased revenue for the project.

The BIA took no action as a result of the discussion, though Sparling said he would investigate potential alternatives, including the suggestion of looking at a permanent sign at the site of the market to encourage people to shop through the BIA’s website.

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Smith wants to keep a local focus

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Quite the spectacle Central Huron’s Gord Hoggart, not pictured, marked his 75th birthday with a parade of well-wishers driving by his home over the weekend. (John Stephenson photo)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on communities and businesses big and small, Angela Smith is working to keep Central Huron’s businesses top of mind for local shoppers.

The Community Improvement Co-ordinator for the municipality says she’s doing what she can to help now while at the same time planning for the future. However, she’s the first to admit that no one has a crystal ball and it’s difficult to know what the future will hold, when the province will reopen and what that will look like once it happens.

In an interview with The Citizen, Smith says she has been using her time working from home, since the pandemic struck, to populate the Clinton and Central Huron Business Improvement Area (BIA) website with all of the municipality’s businesses. This is something the BIA has been requesting for some time, Smith said, and it came along at the perfect time.

With Bruce Power working to support small businesses with the

Grey Bruce Huron Strong initiative, which just launched in the last several weeks, the Central Huron database was a perfect fit for the website.

Smith said the information came to her early thanks to Central Huron Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt being a part of the Zoom meeting at which the project was announced. The website was looking to populate with information about local businesses in the three aforementioned counties and that was exactly what Smith had been compiling.

Central Huron businesses were among the first to be featured on the website, which comes at a perfect time, Smith says, with businesses fighting to stay in front of people as the pandemic continues to bite into small businesses.

The website also offers local businesses the chance to sell gift certificates through an online store during the pandemic, which Smith says is another benefit for local businesses working to engage with customers.

While Smith was among the first to participate in the program locally, she has since begun working with

other area BIAs and economic development colleagues to help populate the website.

As everyone works to traverse the COVID-19 landscape, Smith says, businesses are getting creative.

Whether it’s curbside drop-off, deliveries or online shopping, some businesses are finding a way to keep generating revenue during the COVID-19 control measures.

She said that while the businesses may not be selling as much as they had been before the pandemic struck, keeping their name out there with consumers can go a long way.

She also commended some local arts-oriented businesses for hosting online classes and social sessions, which really serve a dual purpose in the world today, connecting people socially, as well as keeping businesses involved in the community.

The timing has also been right for some Central Huron business owners who were in the midst of completing the Digital Main Street training, assisting them in setting up an online presence and sales portal.

With that wrapping up, many of Central Huron’s businesses are Continued on page 9

Avoid overloading local second-hand stores PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Well, we’ve been dealing with the regulations regarding COVID-19 now for going on seven weeks.

People’s efforts to stay sane while isolated, as we see on social media, are sometimes funny, heart-warming and sometimes heart-breaking. They can also be encouraging and examples of things we can also try to break the panic and lonesomeness.

As we started this, many folk cleaned house, reaching into corners and cupboards. Unfortunately much has been found that can be passed on.

I envision people with garages full of piles of donations just waiting for the world to open up again. Secondhand stores are going to be inundated with donations one of these weeks.

These places serve a real need and so just let your donations wait by the door.

The e-recycle day usually held in late April in conjunction with Earth Day by Huron County 4-H was not held this spring. Hopefully you can hold onto your electronic donations for them until April, 2021.

Will yard sales be a thing of the past now? Each of us have probably found many items for such a sale. Or perhaps, with a little imagination, you have found new uses for some of these items – perhaps flower planters?

As you noticed in a recent edition of The Citizen the organizers of the large book sale which benefits the Blyth Repository of History are hoping to hold that sale in the fall.

So, find a box and store those books you have found while cleaning.

Once things get back to some sort of normal there will be a box at the Blyth Pharmacy or one can call for a pickup by members of the board of the Blyth Repository of History. The Londesborough United Church’s bazaar is hoping to offer good used Christmas items at their event in November. So again think of them

when you are cleaning. Kevin Hulley is working on our church gardens and is looking for donations of hostas. If you can help in this regard contact Kevin. He is living in the home formerly owned by Harry and Gail Lear.

The sign at Sparling’s in Blyth last week offered the idea that, “It hasn’t been proven that house cleaning will kill you. But why take the chance?” In the early days of everyone being at home, cleaning was the order of the day. By now you may be feeling as though it is time to start again! I marvel that parents with children at home, out of routine, and learning online are getting anything accomplished or staying sane. And many adults are trying to work from home.

On the other hand, those of us in rural areas are in a more comfortable situation. Try to imagine what it must be like for young families living in an apartment in the cities.

Perhaps when this is all over there will be a migration back to smaller areas of our province where there are backyards in which to play.

I offer a couple of random comments from this pandemic experience. The scientists tell us that our air is cleaner, which can only help our health and that of our planet. Also, (my age is showing with this comment), could the media refer to elder care as opposed to old age care/homes? It really is a case of semantics, but it just sounds better to my ears. Actually some persons in long-term care are not there because of their age necessarily.

If I had my ‘druthers, I prefer to stay isolated a little longer now than risk a large second wave of this virus and have to come back in later. The Spanish flu of 1918 was not completely eradicated until 1920, a long two years. In the midst of the polio epidemic, the vaccination was developed. Let’s give our scientists a chance to protect us properly and our governments time to make the right decisions going forward before we risk opening the country up again.

Another change at my home is that I now have more control over the TV remote. Not that I don’t mind the odd sports evening, especially if it is a racing event, but now I can choose

to watch other things, like an occasional movie.

My cleaning has turned up some old VHS tapes. As a result we recently watched Schindler’s List.

At the same time we were hearing many complaints from our neighbours to the south about wanting to get their country opened up again saying they were, after just a month, feeling like caged animals.

Such a contrast to any war is this pandemic. Consider the agony people went through for those war years. No immediate news flashes or social media. Just worry about the fate of family members.

If you don’t know the movie, it is the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman in Poland.

Eventually he came to see that the treatment of Polish Jews by the Germans was wrong. The ‘list’ refers to 11,000 Jews he rescued from the gas chambers. I don’t remember watching the movie before but it is one I won’t soon forget. It put today’s situation in a new light. I did feel Steven Speilberg was more kind regarding the physical condition of the Jewish people in this movie than he and Tom Hanks were in their production of the series Band of Brothers. Also interesting to me was learning that this movie was shown by private screenings to students studying war history.

Stay in! Stay well! Be safe! Stay connected!

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 9.

Walton-area farmer honoured with farm parade

A shared sentiment Last Friday, approximately 100 vehicles, mostly tractors, were part of a memorial parade honouring the late Bruno Braecker of the Walton area. Braecker was well-known for his love of family and his pride and joy: a Steiger tractor he spent hours on. (Denny Scott photo)

PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The roads are busier this week with lots of farm equipment on the road. Farmers are getting busy, so this is a reminder to be patient and watchful when driving. Some farmers are putting in long days, and may be on the road, so be careful.

Traffic has picked up a bit anyways these days, especially on the weekend. Many folks are just out for a drive and fresh air, just to see what’s going on in the world. The changes of lush green fields of wheat or the freshly worked fields waiting to be planted are a change from the four walls of home.

The good weekend weather brought out the motorcyclists.

Bikers are anxious to hit the road and dozens went by on Sunday.

Keep an eye for them, especially if you are wanting to pass another vehicle. Be patient and drive safely.

Sadness has hit our area again with the passing of Bruno Braecker, a long-time farmer in McKillop Township. He will be mourned by his wife Joyce and children John (Karen) and Michelle (Paul) and their families including three grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter. Bruno was a farmer through and through and loved to be on the land from tilling to planting and then harvesting. His pride and joy tractor was a Steiger and he spent hours driving it. His love of family was foremost and he loved to have them come visit whether at his Walton home or at their home in the south during winter holidays. A convoy of 85 or more tractors, combines, sprayers and half-ton trucks toured the roads of McKillop

Smith working with students on projects Continued from page 8 online just in time for the COVID19 closures.

If a silver lining can be found in the timing of the crisis for local businesses, Smith says that would be it.

Smith is also working with area students to get some work done throughout the municipality. She says it’s a win-win situation for both the municipality and for the students.

After many post-secondary students lost their access to summer or part-time jobs, the federal government enacted the Canada Student Service Grant, which will offer students a grant of up to $5,000 towards their tuition if they provide community service in the food service sector. This was a perfect match with a beekeeping project Smith had been working on with three farmers already volunteering

to be a part of the project.

She also hopes to work with students through the program to convert the municipality’s flower beds into vegetable gardens for this year.

As for the future, Smith says she doesn’t know what it will look like or how the municipality will be able to aid its businesses, but she wants them to know that she and the municipality will be there for them.

One plan, she said, is to host a special business breakfast when the province allows for all local businesses to open once again.

Having a breakfast and bringing business owners and residents together will serve as a nice kick-off to bringing people back to local businesses after the shutdown, she said.

For more information on the BIA, visit cchbia.ca.

past the Braecker homestead on Friday to honour the late Bruno Braecker.

Our condolences to all.

We send our sympathies to Beth and Gary Earl on the passing of her sister-in-law Barb Smith of Monkton. She will be missed by her husband Gary and children Jerry, Troy, Toni and Juanita and their families. I knew Barb from many years ago as a ball player in Monkton and enjoyed visits with her whenever we bumped into each other at Monkton Ball Park. She was a constant fixture of the park. Our sympathies to all.

Birthday greetings to old friend Joe Steffler. He missed out on a party because of the COVID-19 but looks forward to a great get-together when everyone is let loose to enjoy a social gathering.

We celebrated our grandsons’ birthdays on the weekend. Wes McDonald celebrated his fifth birthday and brother Nate celebrated his second. A dozen trucks and cars decorated with balloons, signs and banners, as well as a combine and tractor, drove in the laneway, and then turned around and drove back out honking horns and shouting “happy birthday” to the boys as they watched from the lawn. They loved it! A different celebration for this year. Grandma delivered birthday cakes for both boys and a few gifts were dropped off as well.

Thank yous and waves and smiles from all!

Many folks are looking for things to keep them busy and cleaning house gets boring after a while.

Fresh air is a good thing. We have been walking everyday, usually a couple of miles each day. Others are doing yoga or exercises to try and keep in shape. In talking with friends on the phone, it was suggested to do sit-ups. My response is, I sit up everyday as I get out of bed, I’m good. What about bending and touching your toes? I do that everyday when I put on my shoes and socks, I’m good. Maybe you should lift weights, like soup cans or something. I am already carrying a lot of weight everyday, I’m good.

Leg lifts are good to do. I lift my legs every time I take a step, I’m good.

Exercise is good and I will stick to walking as it covers three out of four of the above.

Humour is always a good thing to help carry one through tough times

and I thank an old friend for calling and making me smile. She tells me this COVID-19 thing is just like her being 16 again. Gas is cheap and she’s grounded! Look for the bright side. We will return to maybe a new normal, but we will return. Our houses will be clean, our children have been safe, our tanks are still full and we will have survived.

May birthdays begin with Chris Holmes, Hayden Kelso, Chad McCallum, Judy Valley, Mitchell Godkin, Lori Nolan, Annelies Riggenberg, Kendra Cardiff, Justin Bernard, Andrea Humphries, Eaden Linton, Joe Ryan, Wes McDonald, Veronica Grobbink, Emma Robinson, Pat Melady, Armand Roth, Gerry Sullivan, Brian Workman and Scott McNaughton.

NEWS FROM WALTON

Helping out Despite falling on hard times themselves, local community groups and service clubs are continuing to support organizations that are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, like food banks. Above, Brussels Lions Club President Bob Kellington poses with a cheque to the Seaforth and Wingham Food Banks for $2,000. (Photo submitted)

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

COVID-19 and Mental Health

By Denny Scott - The Citizen The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in businesses closing their doors, healthcare systems being taxed near the breaking points and people having to spend months indoors and, with that perfect storm of stress-inducing factors, mental health is a serious concern.

With isolation and quarantine situations, COVID-19 is creating a very stressful event for both people and their communities according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

The association says during times like this, it's normal for people to feel anxious or suffer from stress issues and now is the time for people to help one another.

“Even if we can’t be close physically, we need to stay close emotionally,” the association’s website says. “So, while you’re staying in, stay in touch with each other and reach out if you need support.”

Depending on how the pandemic has impacted an individual, the CMHA has tips for people to deal with the stress and mental strain

that has accompanied the pandemic.

For those stuck at home, the CMHA says anxiousness is normal and should be respected.

“Try not to avoid, ignore or suppress anxious thoughts,” the website reads. “Instead, be aware of your anxiety and accept that you’re feeling anxious in this situation. Try to keep things in perspective; notice and challenge your thoughts that may be extreme or unhelpful.”

The CMHA says, given the amount of attention that is being paid to the pandemic, those anxious thoughts and feelings are completely normal.

The association also says selfcare is critical and people should lean on social supports, try to get enough sleep and be healthy both in what they are eating and in the exercise they are getting.

“Do the things you would typically do to support your health and be sure to use caution and follow health and safety guidelines while doing them,” the site reads.

The CMHA also espouses the

Brian E. Wightman Certified General Accountant • Personal & Corporate Tax • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Agricultural Services

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benefits of only getting information from reliable news sources, and to limit checking on news to short, defined periods.

“Refrain from setting related push notifications on your device,” the CMHA advises. “Appropriate information consumption may be calming and can lessen the sense of danger.”

Parents and guardians should pay particular attention to both themselves and their children during this period according to the CMHA. “Now is the time to ‘love big,’” the association says. “Be sure to show and tell your children that you love them. That you are there for them. And be sure to be there for them.”

The CMHA’s website advises being present and giving children attention by having parents make sure they limit time on their own devices, advising checking the device and the news after bedtime.

The CMHA also states children learn by watching their parents, so a parent taking care of themselves in appropriate ways will encourage their children to do the same. To look and remain calm, parents should expect questions and be “extra patient” in answering them.

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understand that all adults all around the world are taking care of people,” the CMHA’s website says. “All the precautions being taken like closing schools are there to protect them from the illness. It is definitely not the child’s job to worry.”

Protecting children also includes being upfront and honest with them, the CMHA says, including providing them accurate facts, monitoring the information they are accessing and reassuring them.

While keeping routines, especially with educational opportunities, is important, making sure children can relax and have fun is also important.

For employers, the CMHA suggests having a plan for the future will help reduce not only an employer’s stress levels but also the stress of their employees.

“Let employees know that you are thinking and looking ahead, that you will stay well-informed and that you can answer the questions they already have,” the CMHA’s website states.

Being open and communicating can also help according to the site as can empathizing with employees and reassuring them when necessary.

Employers should also recognize the signs of stress in their employees and try and help them before anxiety or panic sets in.

Finally, employers should recognize business will be impacted by COVID-19 and tell

their staff the company will find its way through the problem.

For people over the age of 70, the CMHA offers some unique advice given those individuals may feel more isolated than others.

First off, seniors are encouraged to find positive aspects to solitude, including activities like reading, meditating or keeping a journal.

Next, the CMHA suggests finding an activity that can keep the body active while allowing the mind to quiet, like knitting or painting.

While physical distancing is a priority, especially for seniors, social isolation isn’t the answer or healthy according to the CMHA. “Physical isolation does not prevent you from keeping up your relationships with loved ones,” the CMHA says. “We have so many ways to stay in touch today.”

The CMHA advises seniors to reach out to family and friends, whether that be online or by telephone, to both stay socially active while isolating and finding support for one another.

As always, anyone needing help or anyone noticing someone else needing help can reach out to the CMHA. Visit cmha.ca for more information.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 11.

10

things you can do right now to reduce anxiety, stress, worry related to COVID-19 DAILY NEWS

1 2

Only read, watch or listen to news when you want to. That means turn off push notifications on your phone and set aside only an hour per day to stay informed from credible, balanced sources, such as the Canadian Public Health Association.

While you can’t be together physically, stay socially connected with friends and family by phone, text and video applications such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.

4

Do something good or helpful. Research shows that doing things for others strengthens our own mental health. Check on your neighbours, elderly parents and friends to see how they’re doing and if they need help picking up groceries, medications and other important household items.

5

Stay connected with the outdoors. If you’re not required to self-isolate for 14 days, consider going outdoors for a walk, run or bike ride to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Be sure to stay two metres away from others and consider going out at offpeak hours (early morning, late evening) to avoid proximity.

6

Routines can help reduce mental fatigue, so getting up at your usual time, showering and getting dressed as you normally would for work can be helpful. Eating healthy, drinking water and getting plenty of sleep are also important factors.

8

Practice mindfulness, meditation or yoga to help you stay grounded and focused when you begin to feel stress and worry in your body, like shortness of breath and tightening in the chest. Some ideas include keeping a gratitude journal, doing deep breathing exercises, or using grounding exercises to help you focus on things in the present so you feel safe.

9

Take time to organize your home, such as your pantry, cupboards or closets, or do something you’ve been putting off for a while, such as sorting through your basement or garage for unwanted or recyclable items. Accomplishing such a task may reduce stress and anxiousness.

NEWS

NEWS NEW WS

Considering the level of attention and seriousness being paid to the pandemic, it’s normal to feel anxious. Try not to avoid, ignore or suppress anxious thoughts. Instead, be aware of your anxiety and accept that you’re feeling anxious in this situation.

Try to keep things in perspective; notice and challenge your thoughts that may be extreme or unhelpful.

3

7

Continue to exercise or do the things you would typically do to support your health and be sure to use caution and follow health and safety guidelines while doing them. Instead of going to the gym, check out some exercise videos online. Housework, walking up and down stairs, and outdoor activities like raking leaves, cleaning the yard, or prepping the garden are also sources of physical activity.

10

If you’re noticing that your symptoms of anxiety (related to COVID-19 or otherwise) are causing you significant distress or are interfering with your ability to function normally, consider participating in CMHA’s BounceBack program. BounceBack is a free skill-building program for adults and youth 15+ who want to gain practical life skills to help them better manage their symptoms of low mood, mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. For more information or to see if the BounceBack program may be right for you, visit bouncebackontario.ca.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

May 3 - May 9

Home Emergency Survival Kit

LET’S BEAT COVID TOGETHER “Keep these 6 in your mix” 1

STAY HOME

Supplies for Your Family for 72 Hours

Reduce the risk to others.

2

FREQUENT HAND WASHING If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3

ESSENTIAL TRIPS ONLY Support local businesses, order over the phone, and explore curb side pick up.

4

PHYSICAL DISTANCING Stay in 2 meters (6 feet) away from others in public.

5

SUPPORT THE VULNERABLE Call, text, check-in on your neighbours.

6

STAY INFORMED AND CONNECTED Check credible sources of information and keep in touch virtually with family and friends.

For up-to-date COVID-19 information, visit www.hpph.ca www.ontario.ca www.huroncounty.ca

• Non-perishable food items.

Canned food such as soups, stews, baked beans, pasta, meat, fish, fruit. Crackers and biscuits, honey, peanut butter, jam • Manual can opener (bottle opener) • Bottled water. 4L per person per day. (2 for drinking & 2 for hygiene and washing) • Crank or battery operated radio • Flashlight with batteries • Candles and matches (lighter) • Family First Aid kit • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, feminine products, hand sanitizer, etc.)

• Pocket knife or multi-tool • Whistle • Cash (small bills and change) • Special needs items for babies, pets, elderly (as required) • Garbage bags and zip-lock bags • Duct tape • Copies of important papers (insurance, medications, family contacts, etc.)

• Emergency document holder • Spare phone or tablet charger NOTE: Consume and replace water and canned goods annually

This page is sponsored by the following:

Dave Renner, Fire Chief Municipality of Central Huron

Marty Bedard, Fire Chief Municipality of Huron East

Dave Clarke CEMC - Emergency Manager County of Huron

Trevor Hallam CAO/Clerk/Alternate CEMC Municipality of Morris-Turnberry

Carson Lamb, Township of North Huron Clerk/Health & Safety Coordinator

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 13.

Be Weather Aware!

When planning your daily activities its important to be prepared for severe weather. Summer weather has a tendency to be more volatile than other seasons. It can be less predictable,with less lead time for preparedness. It’s always a better idea to plan ahead.

Tips on Preparing for Severe Weather

STOP All Activities Immediately seek shelter in a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder to resume activities

1. Don’t wait for a storm to hit. Begin preparing now and you’ll be able to react quickly when a storm arrives. Make sure your Home Emergency Survival Kit is stocked, ready and in a place where you can easily access it.

2. Pay close attention to the weather. Some types of nasty summer weather can develop quickly with little warning, so be sure to regularly check the forecast on trusted sources including radio, smartphone apps, or the internet.

3. Respect the potentially destructive power or weather. When severe weather is forecast, keep a close eye on the sky and be prepared to take cover if threatening weather approaches. Stay inside until conditions have calmed and the danger has passed.

This is no time for recreational weather watching or taking photos or video to post on social media.

4. Remember that after-storm conditions can also pose a hazard. After a severe storm has passed use special care when you leave your shelter. There may be downed electrical wires, broken trees and dangerous debris around your property and in the streets. Be extremely cautious if you decide to tackle tree removal by yourself. Better yet, leave it to the professionals.

Tornado Tornadoes are rotating columns of high-velocity wind that can bring devastation to anything in their path. Ontario averages 12 tornadoes per year, most occurring in June, July and August, although the season extends from April to September.

When a Tornado Threatens • • •

For more information on being prepared Contact: cemc@huroncounty.ca Call 519-524-8394 ext. 3306

Take shelter immediately, away from doors, windows or exterior walls. The basement of a sturdy building is best.

Don’t get caught in a vehicle or mobile home. If no other shelter is available then lie flat in a ditch, ravine or low-lying area.

Beware of flying debris. Even small objects such as sticks and straw can become lethal missiles.

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Pandemic costing local service clubs thousands

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Like many other charitable organizations throughout North America, local service clubs are feeling the COVID-19 pandemic crunch as fundraising events keep getting cancelled and doors remain closed.

In just two months, the Blyth Lions Club has likely lost about $10,000 in anticipated revenue with further event cancellations still hanging in the balance.

Long-time Lions Club member John Stewart said that while some events are being postponed and hopefully rescheduled, cancellations are hurting the club and its ability to raise funds which are then injected back into the community.

The Lions were due to provide a meal for a high school theatre festival in Blyth, which they had

done last year, but that has been cancelled. The catering engagement would have made the club $1,100.

The club will also lose another fundraising opportunity with the cancellation of the Barn Dance Historical Society’s Campout and Jamboree. The final event will now be held in 2021, but this year’s cancellation means a loss of approximately $2,500 for the club between running the bar and serving two meals over the course of the weekend.

Its annual Seed Sowers steak barbecue, held annually in June and scheduled for June 6 this year, has also been postponed in the hopes that it can go ahead in August or September. That event typically brings in $3,000 for the club every year.

The club has also begun, in recent years, to host two breakfasts at Memorial Hall during the Blyth

Festival’s Bonanza Weekend, meaning the club has likely lost another $1,500 in revenue from the loss of those meals.

In addition, the club has been forced to cancel numerous park rentals in May and June due to government regulations. While those rentals are by donation, they would have raised money for the club.

There are a number of other projects that remain in limbo for the club. The Blyth Lions Club will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in July and an event was being planned at the park. That event will be reviewed later this month.

The club was also planning on holding the first-ever Charlie Shaw Memorial Golf Tournament in late July and that event will also be reviewed later this month.

Stewart said the club is at the mercy of the provincial government and regulations regarding when golf

courses will be allowed to open again. He did say, however, that if the event is allowed to go ahead, the club would likely scale it back significantly.

The club was planning on getting sponsorship from local businesses for the tournament. With so many local businesses closed or generating a fraction of the business they did before the pandemic, Stewart says it likely won’t be the right time to be approaching local businesses for sponsorship opportunities.

The club has been working towards the creation of a new sports pad at Lions Park as well as fixing a water leak to the clubhouse, both of which will have to be put on hold as a result of the pandemic.

Stewart did say, however, that the Lions have enough money in the bank to run the park for the summer, if it were to open, to maintain the park and staff the wading pool, but

time will tell if the park can be reopened anytime soon.

For the Brussels Legion, nearly all of its diversified revenue sources have been affected by COVID-19.

Catering engagements and fish fry dinners together account for most of the local Branch’s revenue, both of which have been stopped in their tracks due to the pandemic.

Many fish fry dinners have already been cancelled or postponed, while the Legion has been unable to cater for any public events. Furthermore, with the Branch closed to the public, rentals have been frozen, affecting another source of revenue for the Branch.

President Jamie Mitchell says it’s been hard for the Legion, but that Legion Command has dipped into its reserves to help Branches across the country weather the storm.

Mitchell said the Branch is lucky Continued on page 15

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 15.

Clubs continue to donate despite lost revenue Continued from page 14 due to the quality and quantity of its volunteers and membership, but that it will be difficult moving forward with so much revenue lost.

Londesborough Lions Treasurer Ron Nesbitt says his club has already had to cancel one event with two others postponed for the time being. This period, he said, between April and June, is when the Lions Club raises about 90 per cent of its funds for the year, so the pandemic will be hitting them hard.

The cancelled breakfast would have made the club anywhere between $600 and $1,000, Nesbitt said, while the fish fry, which had been scheduled for May 2, traditionally makes over $3,000 for the club.

The fish fry, the club’s single biggest fundraiser of the year, also generates thousands for the Brussels Legion, which fries the fish for the

dinner, so if that event doesn’t go ahead, it will strike two service clubs and their respective communities.

The club has also had to put its annual waterless duck race on hold for the time being. The event typically makes about $1,500 for the club. There is also a Father’s Day breakfast scheduled for June that may have to be cancelled as well.

While the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association has yet to make a decision on this year’s reunion in September, several service clubs could be hurt if the event is cancelled.

The Londesborough Lions have helped to park cars at the event for 40 years, Nesbitt said, while the food booth is one of the Blyth Lions Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

The Brussels Lions Club has probably lost at least $20,000 in fundraising due to COVID-19

according to President Bob Kellington.

The club had scheduled a breakfast in Brussels in mid-April that had to be cancelled. In addition, the club’s annual fiddle jamboree, scheduled for July, has been cancelled, while the Elimination Draw, the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, has been postponed.

Kellington said that while the breakfast and the jamboree bring in some money for the club, the draw traditionally raises between $18,000 and $19,000 for the club every year, so if it doesn’t go ahead, that will be a major blow to the club’s efforts this year.

Despite the cancellations, the club just last week donated $2,000 to area food banks, $1,000 each for food banks in Wingham and Seaforth.

Cole McLean, president of the Brussels Optimist Club, says that while the club’s annual spring dinner

and auction had to be cancelled from its original date in March, the club still hopes to host it later this year.

The dinner and auction traditionally make between $15,000 and $20,000 for the club, McLean says, sometimes more, so if the event does have to be cancelled, it will be a major blow to the club’s earnings for the year.

Despite the postponement and potential cancellation of the dinner, the club handed out nearly $25,000 to local organizations. The club donated $5,000 each to hospitals in Wingham, Listowel, Clinton and Seaforth, as well as $2,000 to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre and $2,000 to the Jam Jar Pub and Eatery, which has been feeding the residents of the Highland Apartments at Huronlea Home for the Aged for over a month.

McLean says the club was fortunate in that it had some money

in the bank, so members were able to authorize the donations even without the dinner and auction going ahead.

With several items donated and hundreds of ticket holders still out in the village, McLean says the club still hopes to host the event, but isn’t sure when it will be able to go ahead.

The plan had been to raise funds for the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, as well as for local hospitals and community betterment, but that is on hold until the event can go ahead.

Until then, McLean said, ticket holders can request refunds from club members, or they can hold onto their tickets in the hopes that the dinner and auction goes ahead later this year, or apply them to next year’s event.

Looking ahead, the Optimists are still hoping to host their harvest Continued on page 22

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Error delays CH budget further

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council is moving forward with a budget with a zero per cent increase to the tax levy and a 5.35 per cent decrease to the tax rate, despite finding a hole in the budget.

Director of Finance Jeff Boyes spoke to the issue at council’s Monday night meeting, saying there was an error in the water and sewer budget that resulted in $461,349 in revenue being counted twice. As a result, council was now short over $460,000 in its quest to bring forward a low-impact budget to its residents.

Boyes apologized for the error, which was discovered on April 27 just after council’s budget meeting.

As a result, Boyes suggested the removal of two paving projects, Winthrop Road and Tipperary Line, and the utilization of further reserves to get council where it wanted to be.

Even with those removals, council would still be facing a 2.45 per cent increase to the tax levy and a 3.03 per cent increase to the tax rate.

He offered council a number of alternatives, including one that would exclude both paving projects and result in a 0.38 increase to the tax levy and a tax rate decrease of just under five per cent.

To go any further, Boyes said, would require taking bits and pieces from various reserves to fund small projects, including the office equipment reserve, the facilities reserve and the

Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) reserve.

While some councillors favoured that option, Mayor Jim Ginn stood by his earlier position, saying council needed to send a message to ratepayers during the COVID-19 crisis and not increase the tax levy, but rather finance any increased costs from within.

Councillors agreed, asking Boyes to find a way to finance one of the paving projects in the budget. The roads department recommended that if only one project were to move ahead it be the Tipperary Line repaving project for $405,000.

Boyes said he would prepare a final draft of the budget along those lines to be presented at council’s May 19 meeting for adoption.

Council extends bill grace period Quite the send-off Tractors filled with well-wishers lined up west of Winthrop last Friday to take part in a memorial parade for Bruno Braecker of Walton. Approximately 100 vehicles took part in the parade, which included all manner of farm machinery, antique cars, trucks and service vehicles and, of course, friends and family waving good-bye. (Denny Scott photo)

North Huron Township Council has deferred penalty charges from water and sewer billings due late last month and later this month to July 1 of this year due to COVID-19.

The move was made during Council’s May 4 meeting where Director of Finance Donna White pointed out council hadn’t made a decision regarding the April 24 water and sewer billings and whether it wanted to continue to offer assistance to ratepayers.

At a special meeting on March 24, council delayed penalty and interest

charges on taxes due March 27 and water and sewer bills due March 24 to May 1, but hadn’t dealt with the issue since then.

White brought the issue before council, explaining there hadn’t been a broad uptake on the offer, when compared to last year.

She said the municipality had 8.6 per cent of its taxes uncollected, approximately $205,000, a 0.73 per cent increase over last year, and only a $3,000 difference in what was in arrears last year at this time for water and sewer, totalling $26,573.

White said the financial impact of the move would be $3,805 in fines and interest on taxes and $2,500 in fines and interest on water and sewer billings.

“That’s less than a one per cent increase in uncollected taxes which is business as usual as far as I’m concerned,” Reeve Bernie Bailey said.

Council approved extending the grace period and directed staff to continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation in relation to the next tax installment due June 27.

Long-term care facilities still hit hard by COVID-19 Continued from page 1 fatalities as a result of COVID-19 with 34 people having recovered.

Klassen said people in Huron and Perth Counties should take encouragement because the curve of the pandemic is flattening due to their actions, however, the spread of the virus to long-term care facilities proves that the disease is still a threat.

“People need to see their actions have made a big difference,” she said, adding Canada is faring better than other countries that weren’t as prepared. “I think what we’ve seen is that by all working together we can make a really big difference. Having

said that, we’re not rid of COVID-19 yet.”

Until a vaccination is created or significant treatment advancements are made, people need to be ready to “hunker down” again as more waves of the disease could come, Klassen said.

That reality is apparent when looking at long-term care facilities and how, while the rest of the province is seeing a reduction in the number of cases, facilities are facing increases.

Klassen said the facilities have been closed to anyone other than residents and staff for three weeks, meaning the virus must have been

brought in by non-residents, be that staff or other people. Because of that, she says community transmission is still a big concern.

Fortunately, Klassen said, there have been no confirmed resident cases from the swabs so far.

“The pandemic has peaked and is coming down, but it’s happening differently in communities than it is in long-term care,” she said. “Longterm care homes numbers aren’t going down. That’s why all these measures have been put into place.”

By the numbers, Perth County still has significantly more cases than Huron County with Perth East and North Perth each having three cases,

Obituaries BRUNO BRAECKER Surrounded by the love of his family, Bruno Braecker passed away at Stratford General Hospital on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, after a brief illness.

The times and seasons of Bruno’s 80 years among us were blessed with the satisfaction that accompanied the tilling, planting and harvesting of the acres of his

McKillop Township farm; of course, while driving his Steiger tractor.

Bruno’s often stubborn, ornery ways were simply a shell for a man who loved his family, his friends, his pets and farm life. His presence will be missed within his family circle and among our community.

Bruno will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Joyce (née Wilson) and their children, John and Karen Braecker and Michelle Braecker and Paul Gibson. Treasuring memories of a much-loved grandpa are grandchildren Adam and Roxanne Braecker, Holly Braecker and Blake Cardiff, and Allison Braecker and great-granddaughter Myer Braecker.

Left to reminisce days gone by are siblings and siblings-in-law Melanie Blochlinger, Alice and Rudy Penner and Geraldine Wilson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Bruno was predeceased by his parents Johann and Melanie (née

Bosch) Braecker and siblings-in-law Paul Blochlinger, Ewart Wilson, Ann and Chip Wood, Edna Wilson and Linda Wilson.

Arrangements were entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth.

Honouring Bruno’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family inurnment will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. A time for family and friends to gather and honour Bruno’s life will be held when love, handshakes and hugs can once again be shared safely. In the meantime, raise a glass of vodka and water and remember Bruno with a smile.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Canada Research would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be shared by visiting Bruno’s online memorial at www.haskettfh.com

Perth South and West Perth each having two cases, St. Marys having two cases and Stratford having 25 totalling 37. In Huron County, Morris-Turnberry, Huron East, Goderich and Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh each have three cases, Central Huron has two cases and South Huron and Bluewater each have three cases, totalling 12.

As far as long-term care facilities, Greenwood Court in Stratford has six residents and 10 staff cases of COVID-19 totalling 16 cases, Hillside Manor in Perth East and Blue Water Rest Home in Bluewater each have one resident case, Huronview in Huron East has one

staff case and Braemar Retirement Centre in North Huron has two staff cases. In total, there are 21 cases in long-term care facilities in Huron and Perth Counties.

Confirmed cases continue to be mainly among older residents of the area, with one confirmed COVID-19 patient being under 19, four being between 20 and 29, six being between 30 and 39, four being between 40 and 49, 10 being between 50 and 59, 15 being between 60 and 69, three being between 70 and 79 and six cases in patients who are 80 years or older.

Most cases are women in the area with 34 female cases and 15 male cases.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 17.

Agriculture

519-523-4311

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BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell on good demand Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending May 1 were 2,510 cattle and 688 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday quality fed steers and heifers sold on a good demand at steady prices. Choice steers and heifers sold $140 to $146. Second cut steers and heifers sold $130 to $140. Cows sold actively with prices $1 to $2 higher. On Thursday veal sold on an active trade at steady prices. Lambs and sheep sold steady.

Goats sold barely steady. On Friday calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Bruce Dale of Centralia, consigned 12 head. One black heifer weighed 1,375 lbs. and sold for $146.

Steve Lobsinger of Palmerston, consigned two head.

One red heifer weighed 1,180 lbs.,

sold for an average price of $138.

There were 300 cows on offer.

Beef sold $74 to $79 with sales to $84; D1 and D2, $68 to $75 with sales to $96; D3, $62 to $67; D4, $50 to $61.

Brian Dudgeon of Dobbington, consigned one black cow that weighed 1,640 lbs. and sold for $84.

Jacob A. Yoder of Lucknow, consigned one charolais cow that weighed 1,780 lbs. and sold for $84.

There were seven bulls selling $92.50 to $129. Brian Ribey of Paisley, consigned one black bull that weighed 1,960 lbs. and sold for $129.

There were 130 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $142 to $185; good holsteins, $115 to $125; SL heavy holsteins, $109 to $115; heavy

holsteins, $105 to $120; medium holsteins, $105 to $115.

Jim Maw of Forest, consigned five head that averaged 856 lbs. and sold for an average price of $163.09. One blue steer weighed 890 lbs. and sold for $185. George Ducharme of Dashwood, consigned two head that averaged 838 lbs. and sold for an average price of $121.35. One holstein cross weighed 815 lbs. and sold for $127. Grant Bergsma of Londesborough, consigned three head that averaged 708 lbs. and sold for an average price of $117.33. One holstein weighed 710 lbs. and sold for $119.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $309 to $325; 50 - 64 lbs., $305.50 to $340; 65 - 79 lbs., $308 to $327; 80 - 94 lbs., $268 to $278; 95 - 109 lbs., $257 to $268;

110 lbs. and over, $219 to $252.

Sheep sold $100 to $175.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $300; nannies, $100 to $200; kids: meat, $330 to $440; dairy, $250 to $372.

George Snell of Blyth, consigned three lambs that averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $340.

Gary Haak of Clinton, consigned 15 head. Six lambs averaged 89 lbs. and sold for an average price of $264.

Josh Lambourn of Granton, consigned 10 head. Seven lambs averaged 63 lbs. and sold for $339.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $240.25 to $252; 400 499 lbs., $229.50 to $271; 500 - 599 lbs., $221.25 to $266; 600 699 lbs., $207.25 to $217; 700 - 799 lbs., $192 to $200.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $178.50 to $195; 900 - 999 lbs., $167 to $179;

EVAH locations offer feral cat program in business. The only reason EVAH can offer the service at these rates is because it is a non-profit organization. “When we originally opened the clinic, a local family, the Webers, and a rescue organization called Animal Outreach funded it.

Now we rely on volume and two years in, the clinic is sustainable because it is a non-profit,” explains Ristmae.

The clinic also offers an indoor pet cat and dog program, but only for low-income families. New clients are screened for their income levels so no one takes advantage of the service.

The clinic performed a total of Continued on page 18

Animals treated at the East Village Animal Hospital in Kitchener get a new lease on life thanks to the generosity of those running the clinic and its numerous programs for feral cats or to help out low-income families. Ann Marie Patkus, a manager at the hospital, is seen here with McConaughey, a handsome cat the hospital inherited. (Lisa B. Pot photo)

The Rural Voice When a stray cat showed up on a farm outside of London, the landowners took him to the East Village Animal Hospital (EVAH) to get “her” spayed, knowing they offered a feral cat program.

That cat turned out to be a “he”, and was renamed McConaughey by his new owner, Ann Marie Patkus, manager of the EVAH in Kitchener because he was so handsome.

“That family was worried about keeping him at the farm because they had a large dog that wasn’t catfriendly,” remembers Patkus. “So they kept sending me videos and I knew he was mine. Now he’s a little diva. Even one drop of rain and he’s inside.”

Patkus loves McConaughey and the situation is representative of the kind of work that goes on at EVAH

in Kitchener, one of two hospitals started by Dr. Martha Harding, a woman described as “[an] incredibly compassionate and caring [person] who felt a very deep sense of responsibility as a vet to provide accessible vet care to those in need,” says Laurie Ristmae, Kitchener EVAH’s Executive Director.

Though located in the city, EVAH provides a valuable service to the farming community via its Trap, Neuter and Release Program (which is currently suspended during the COVID-19 crisis). The hospital remains open. Farmers with feral or barn cats can trap said cats, bring them to the clinic in the morning for spay, neutering and vaccinations.

The ears of the barn cats are notched, a symbol of their outdoor/ barn cat status. Owners are charged $50 for males and $60 for females, plus tax. There is an additional charge for treatment of parasites.

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A new lease on life

By Lisa B. Pot

1,000 lbs. and over, $158.50 to $166.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $187 to $221; 500 - 599 lbs., $192.25 to $207; 600 - 699 lbs., $187 to $204; 700 - 799 lbs., $167 to $183.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $160.50 to $167; 900 lbs. and over, $149 to $163.

Middlekamp Farms Ltd. of Ripley, consigned 102 head. Twenty-three charolais steers averaged 758 lbs. sold for an average price of $200.50.

Fourteen charolais heifers averaged 730 lbs. and sold for an average price of $173.

Barry Osterndorff of Elmwood, consigned 216 head. Nine gold heifers averaged 894 lbs. and sold for an average price of $163.25.

Fourteen gold steers averaged 1,031 lbs. and sold for an average price of $165.50.

The clinic offers the service at a loss but Ristmae said it serves a real purpose.

“When you sterilize and vaccinate a cat, it is not only good for that animal, but for the entire environment,” says Ristmae. “It reduces unwanted behaviours such as spraying and fighting and popping out unwanted kittens. Then you have a healthier colony in the barn that can serve their purpose keeping the rodent population down.”

If farm families end up with a litter of barn kittens, EVAH will take them. “We have good connections for rehoming. We get them all fixed and then find them new homes,” says Ristmae.

People drive in from all over Ontario to take advantage of the service, which is significantly cheaper than what a veterinarian can charge. Veterinarians in private practice need to charge a fee to stay

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Clinic performs 8,700 spays, neuters per year

Busy place Laurie Ristmae, Executive Director of the East Village Animal Hospital in Kitchener, has been instrumental in implementing the hospital’s feral cat program, which helps control wild cats, but allows them to perform their function of rodent control on farms across Ontario. (Lisa B. Pot photo) Continued from page 17 8,700 spays and neuters between the two clinics last year. That includes

cats and dogs. The clinic actually performs more surgeries on dogs via their partnership with groups like the

Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) which serves indigenous communities.

Not so coincidentally, Ristmae founded the ARF after adopting a dog from a friend who had worked with Two Nations in Alberta.

“When I realized how incredible this huge beast of a dog was, I started volunteering with that group in Alberta.” Seeing the great need in those communities, ARF Ontario was formed and works with over 10 First Nation communities.

It’s clear Ristmae, like Patkus, has a great love for animals. In fact, it’s evident in the whole clinic as I get a tour of the facilities. Though not large, the clinic is bursting with staff and volunteers.

In one corner, Fiona, a student who had just been accepted into a veterinary technician program, sits with a cat that is just coming out of anesthesia. She will check for pupil response and measure the cat’s temperature while comforting the animal.

“She is our eyes on that cat. We are high volume so we need high quality care. Animals are constantly monitored in our care,” explains Ristmae. Other volunteers include the “cleaning ninjas” and people who organize admissions and/or greet clients coming into the clinic.

During the interview, one of the veterinarians, a Dr. Barb, is filling in paperwork but can’t help but interject as we talk about the staff and volunteers.

“We work here for the people,” says Dr. Barb. “You have to have a strong leader and we have Laurie at the helm and it naturally attracts other people that have the same goals.” Dr. Barb is paid but it sounds like it might not equal her other veterinary job. However, part of working here is about celebrating life. “I just recently went through cancer treatment and working here is about giving back. It’s fun and it feels good to give back,” she says.

Patkus agrees. “This is a very supportive environment but I also feel very strongly about helping rescue groups and helping people who are lower income,” she says.

“It’s a busy clinic but we are there to help the client when they have to say goodbye to their pet. We feel with them.”

Many families who live in a lower income bracket haven’t been able to access veterinary care for their pets

Belgrave events cancelled PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Belated birthday greetings to Florence McArter on April 23 and Doreen Marks on May 1.

Karen McCallum will celebrate her birthday on May 7. Best wishes are extended from the community to all.

It will be nice when we can get back to normal again. While at home it is a good time to do things we have been putting off. Some of us have been cleaning out cupboards and closets, storage rooms and sorting out items we no longer have any use for, and maybe even putting

the finishing touches on a quilt, doing a crossword puzzle, putting a picture puzzle together, sorting through photos as well as watching a movie or a favourite TV show. What have you been doing during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Keeping our distance means that we communicate with friends and relatives by other means. On the nicer days it has been ideal to enjoy the outdoors by going for a wall or bike ride and if you feel ambitious, cleaning up the garden and lawn.

It will be great when we can get together again for family gatherings since we weren’t able to get together for Easter.

Meetings, church, the hot lunch, potlucks, cards, exercise groups, schools, etc. have all had to be cancelled and will resume at a later date. Schools remain closed and according to the Ministry of Education will re-open May 31. The parents have been busy homeschooling their children.

Remember to keep your distance, wash your hands making sure you keep them away from your face.

Stay healthy and safe.

before. “These clients have a fear of judgment but we are a judgment-free zone. We are here to help,” says Ristmae.

The next goal for EVAH is to be registered as a charity. It will be a process but Ristmae says for those who work at the clinic, it means the clinic would live on despite who runs it. “It would bring peace of mind to all of us who have created this entity [so] that we could gift it forwards so that it would always be governed as a charity.”

Ristmae explains that working at the clinic is, for her, a sense of calling.

“Since a very young age, I have been drawn to animals and it was devastating for me to see any kind of suffering,” says Ristmae. “I finally got to an age where I could do something about it, one animal at time.”

That “one at a time” philosophy has turned into thousands of animals a year.

EVAH Kitchener is located right in the city, on Weber Street.

The location is strategic. Since most of the clients are low-income, they need to get to the office via a bus route.

For more information, check out https://evah. ca/kitchener.html, call

519-894-2323 for the Kitchener EVAH or 519-455-3824 for the London EVAH.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 19.

From the Minister’s Study

Lock down on life with a purpose: Dow

By Ernest Dow, Executive Pastor Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn Throughout life we’re always wrestling with this question of purpose – Why are we doing what we’re doing? Is it really worth the expense, the energy we devote to it?

What are we hoping to gain by it? In John 12 we get a glimpse of why Jesus did what He did, what was motivating Him and how He invites us to a similar approach in life, for lasting worthy outcomes.

The COVID-19 crisis is changing things for some of our usual areas of stardom. The news recently featured some discussion of what the Major Leagues are planning to do for this year’s baseball season. It will be very strange if players end up playing their games before an empty stadium. There’s talk of the players not sitting in the dugout, but observing physical distancing by sitting over six feet apart in the empty seats of the stands. It just won’t be the same without the roar of the crowd, the cheers at good hits and plays, the rumble of disapproval at a questionable call. Where’s the glory in it all if there are no spectators to remark upon it? Will it not seem just like your typical neighbourhood ball game, not much different than a pick-up game in a sandlot?

What the COVID-19 crisis does for Major League Baseball, maybe it can be doing for the rest of us, in our respective spheres of activity. It sure is different not going through the normal routine of going in for work each day! Yet it offers us a chance to stop and re-evaluate: just why are we doing what we’re doing? What’s our end objective? Is there purpose in our existence – before life returns to normal and we just step back onto the same old treadmill.

John’s Gospel (12:20ff) records, “Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’”

After hearing the desire of the Greeks to have a private audience with Him, Jesus instead continues teaching His disciples. In just a few short days He would be dying for what He believed, so He proceeds to lay out for them one more time the governing principles and passion of His life; His own approach to meaningful living.

Jesus responded, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who

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loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24f ) Far from “grab all you can get while you can”, life seems to be about yielding up your life, allowing it to be planted so it can flower and produce seeds. Eternal life is obtained by hating one’s life in this world – loving God so much that you’re willing to let this life go, submit it to His purposes. Be neurotic about guarding your life selfishly and you’ll lose it.

This is not just theoretical talk for Jesus; He is keenly aware that within a few short days He would be crucified (He had already predicted this a couple of times to His followers). Soon He will be paying with His life for what He believes.

Rather than run away to Greece and spend the rest of His earthly life an itinerant healer and miracle-worker, Jesus is choosing to confront the powers-that-be in Jerusalem and submit to the full extent of their jealous hatred and torture. The hour of His separation from His Heavenly Father and torment on the cross is coming up quickly. Jesus admits, “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27f ) Did you notice the purpose clause there? “For this very reason I came to this hour.” Jesus’ purpose in life is to give His life as a ransom buying back us sinners! Not living for pleasure; not even living for maintaining helpful social customs and mores... Jesus lived to glorify His Father. And what that meant in

the immediate was going to Gethsemane to become the target bearing the world’s sin – target for the wrath of the very Heavenly Father whose love had entwined Him so deeply and profoundly since before the world was made.

Some people idolize power, the controllers; others idolize pleasure, the consumers. But “This Hour” he’s talking about is neither the “Hour of Power” nor the “Hour of Pleasure”; instead it’s His ‘Hour to Flower’ (well, it is May, after all!). Out our front window I can see beautiful flowers on our forsythia, buds on our magnolia that will later burst into gorgeous array. Daffodils and hyacinths brighten the dark earth winter left behind. Jesus is demonstrating for us what it means to “plant” our life in a meaningful way such that it will become a display of beauty, glory even that honours God who created and designed us to show forth our unique qualities. The cross and empty tomb become locations where Jesus’ essence is manifest – what He came to earth for.

The current Coronavirus crisis exposes needs at various levels in society and gives us the opportunity to discover what Jesus is talking about in terms of laying down our lives in service to others. It highlights the vulnerability of the elderly in our nursing homes – those above 80 years of age have been disproportionately represented in the statistics of those who’ve succumbed. Our frontline healthcare workers who daily expose themselves to risk at such long-term care homes and at hospitals are

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In this time of pandemic may you find Peace within you, Joy in each day and Hope for the future.

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examples of those who lay down their lives for the purpose of loving their neighbour.

I know of one couple in the Blyth area who, finding out the need at health institutions for personal protective equipment, sat down to cut and sew hundreds of protective masks.

In Toronto, the owner of a small Mexican restaurant found out immigrant families in the area, who did not qualify for emergency government relief, were starving. So on the restaurant’s “day off” she began a food bank which is now helping hundreds of people from the neighbouring community. (Our church is accepting donations for them - see comalycanela.com.)

Our Creator God has a purpose for each one of us to fulfil with our unique specific gifts. Jesus calls us to “bloom where we’re planted” – if we will follow Him in laying our lives down in service to God’s far greater Kingdom causes, like a little kernel of wheat planted in the soil.

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The Regional Ministry of Hope See our Facebook page 10:30 a.m. on Sundays for a live broadcast of our service.

All Anglican Churches are closed for public worship until further notice.

Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Au Naturel Cheryl Peach M.Ed., B.Ed As noted in my previous column, “A View From Above”, the wooded corridor that runs along the Lake Huron coastline is gradually disappearing. Every time a new cottage or home is built or expanded, more of our lakeshore woodlands are lost.

Every decision to clear vegetation to have an unobstructed view of the lake impacts the natural corridor. It’s not just the trees that are removed, but often the shrubs and native groundcovers as well. It’s a gradual process, but it amounts to “death by a thousand cuts”, as the process of vegetation removal repeats over and over again. Natural ecosystems, whether it’s a woodland, wetland or dune grassland become fragmented from intact systems to smaller, less robust units prone to disease, erosion or infestation by invasive species.

To make matters worse, we are

replacing the native plant corridor along the lake with plant species that are foreign to Lake Huron. The unfamiliar endemic species are replaced in favour of ‘urban’ plants that we may be more familiar with.

In other words, we seem to want our lake properties to look like our city ones, with lawns (Kentucky Bluegrass is a non-native invasive species) and ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers.

Our native coastal vegetation has taken thousands of years of adaptation to exist here and takes no effort to grow. So why do we go to the work of planting lawns and nonnative plants that require substantial effort and inputs on our part? Going to the lake was supposed to be for relaxation. Yet every weekend at the lake you can hear the roar of mowers, trimming equipment and chain saws.

This ‘urbanization’ of the lakeshore is taking its toll as we see more non-native plants ‘escape’ into our remaining natural areas. Invasive plants are becoming a serious concern in many places along the coast, overtaking many native plants which can’t compete with the new intruders. The use of fertilizers to prop up the non-native plants can contribute nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorous, to the lake (and algae loves nutrients).

It’s time we get back in touch with our inner naturalist. Native planting is good for the local environment (your shoreline) and it’s good for the local economy (your wallet). If you are planting a tree, shrub or groundcover, choose those endemic to the Lake Huron coast. Once established, native plants require little, if any, maintenance.

Native plant benefits include:

• Native plants provide a diverse landscape: Using native plants promotes biological diversity.

Planting a small meadow that once was lawn replaces a one-plant monoculture with many species, increasing the opportunities for beneficial wildlife and insects to live.

• Native plants help the animals: Native plants provide shelter and food to birds, butterflies and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity. In contrast, mowed lawns are of little use to most wildlife, except Canada Geese. They love turf grass and they’ll thank you for having a lakefront lawn by leaving many nutrient- and bacteria-rich parcels.

• Native plants can save money: Since native plants are adapted to a certain region, they do not need to be watered as often, nor do they need fertilization or mowing, therefore reducing maintenance costs. A U.S. study in Wisconsin estimated that over a 20-year period the cost of maintaining a prairie or wetland naturalized habitat totalled $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses.

Green Tip: Trash – It’s harmful to

all beach residents… animal and human. Many beaches now require that all visitors take home everything they bring, including their garbage.

This is a good idea for all beaches.

Plan ahead and bring a trash bag with you on your next trip. [original article was authored by Geoff Peach July 2010, and has been updated by Cheryl Peach and Coastal Centre Staff - Samantha Ventura]

Sell It Fast in the Classifieds CALL 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 info@northhuron.on.ca To place your classified ad in

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 21.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST. 50¢ will be deducted if ad is paid in advance

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Monday in Brussels 4 p.m. Monday in Blyth Phone 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE online for free while we are under orders for physical distances. Stay safe!

Card of thanks Services BROWN. Bill Brown Sr. would like to say a large thank you to all his family and friends and neighbours for his 90th birthday surprise driveby and the cake and card drop-off. It was greatly appreciated.

19-1 -------------------------------------------CHAMNEY. We would like to thank our family, friends and awesome neighbours who helped us celebrate our 67th anniversary. Also thanks for the phone calls, cards and text messages. The old historic Manchester Fire Dept. bell even sounded good. We hope it took everyone’s minds off of these uncertain times. Thanks again – Bud and Laura May. 19-1 --------------------------------------------

CUSTOM MOLDBOARD PLOWing available. Please call 519-5774689.

19-2 --------------------------------------------

Services

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FAXING SERVICE is suspended.

Will resume when COVID-19 crisis is over. The Citizen, tfn --------------------------------------------

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Let us help you turn that junk into $$ ➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE – Gas-powered Poulon string trimmer. Self-feed string. Works well. Asking $35.

Phone 519-482-7502.

19-3 ---------------------------------------FOR SALE – Electric fireplace, dark brown, 1500 watt, accent lighting, remote, $195; Emsay garden seeder, 6 seed discs, two inline wheels, like new, $100.

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17-3 ---------------------------------------FOR SALE – King-size bed, mattress and box spring, $395; La-z-boy recliner chair, wine colour, $195. 519-440-1110.17-3 ---------------------------------------WANTED – one metal calf creep feeder. Phone 519-523-9324.

17-3

The Municipality of Central Huron is currently seeking a positive, self-motivated, teamoriented individual to fill the position of: CLERK Reporting to the CAO, the position will perform all statutory duties in accordance with the Municipal Act and other applicable legislation. A Department Head position, the Clerk manages the Clerk’s Department including the Building and Planning Department, Committee of Adjustment, Cemetery Administration, Bylaw Enforcement, Animal Control, Municipal Drainage, Heritage Designation. Responsible to provide corporate administrative and secretariat services to Council and other boards and committees as required.

The ideal candidate will possess progressive experience in municipal government; Knowledge of the Municipal Act, Vital Statistics Act, Marriage Act, Drainage Act, Municipal Elections Act, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, Planning Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy, Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and other relevant legislation; Demonstrated knowledge and skills and ability to maintain discretion in a confidential environment; Diploma/Degree in public administration, law, or related field; AMCTO Municipal Administration Program completion.

A full job description for the position and information about the Municipality of Central Huron is available at www.centralhuron.com We invite interested applicants to forward a covering letter and resume by noon (12:00 p.m.) Friday, May 15, 2020 in confidence, to: Human Resources, Box 400, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 or by email: humanresources@centralhuron.com This is a non-union position in a union environment. Terms and Conditions of employment as per all Human Resources policies and procedures of the Municipality of Central Huron . The Municipality of Central Huron is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at

www.huroncitizen.ca

PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Locals will feel Festival closure Continued from page 1 third-party group shows the Festival brings $5.6 million in spin-off spending to the area as well as $2 million in taxes to all three levels of government, resulting in a $7.6 million hole in spinoff spending for local businesses and governments to absorb this year.

“In 2019 alone, Blyth Festival artists paid over $100,000 in rent to local landlords,” the letter states.

“We know the entire economy of North Huron will be badly hit by COVID-19, and the loss of a Blyth Festival season will be a significant part of that.”

The letter also highlights losses local community groups will suffer.

In 2019, the Festival, through its longstanding partnership with local churches and community groups, directed $17,000 through its country supper program. The Festival also donates to the groups, so King and Garratt estimate, with the Festival season not operating, there will be some $40,000 lost to local groups.

The letter goes on to explain how local businesses will suffer, including lumber yards, hardware stores and a community-supported agricultural operation from which the Festival buys.

To address the COVID-19 pandemic and the Festival’s closure, the letter shows what the Festival has done to cut costs, a question Councillor Anita van Hittersum asked when council first addressed the issue in April. Alongside cutting contracts where possible and cancelling other contracts, the Festival has taken advantage of government programs and reached out to its members and donors.

Funds will be coming to the Festival from various levels of government as well.

After presenting the letters, Director of Recreation and Social Services Vicky Luttenberger told council to remember that Memorial Hall is a township asset. If the Blyth Festival isn’t managing the hall on behalf of the township, it will result in additional expenses for taxpayers.

The basic expenses, including bills and scheduled maintenance for the past 11 months, according to Luttenberger’s report, are

Blyth Legion hit hard by COVID-19 Continued from page 15 stag dinner in the fall, but the status of the pandemic will dictate whether the event goes ahead.

Ric McBurney, North Huron Councillor and President of the Blyth Legion, assumes the Legion has lost thousands of dollars as a result of the pandemic.

The club has had to cancel its monthly luncheons, which would usually raise about $500 each for the Branch, as well as its seniors’ card parties.

The real hit to the Legion, however, will be in the suspension of the Blyth Festival season, McBurney said. The Branch had a whole slate of dinners scheduled that would have coincided with Festival shows that are now on hold.

Cooking? Crafting?

Making candles? Send us a picture at reporter@northhuron.on.ca

$57,902.38 which doesn’t include cleaning, supplies or unexpected maintenance.

Luttenberger also pointed out the Festival has cut costs as close to the bone as possible through laying off 63 of its 70 staff members, lowering heat, cancelling service contracts, cancelling agreements for housing/ accommodations and applying for subsidies where possible.

She also highlighted the fact the Festival brings 30,000 people to the area and draws heavily from the local area through tourism both local and abroad.

Luttenberger recommended allowing the Festival to use the remainder of the $15,000 the township had budgeted for a partnership with the Festival to help cover the costs associated with the

maintenance of Memorial Hall.

The motion was approved with all but Councillor Paul Heffer supporting it after he said other businesses in the area are hurting and could also use support.

Councillor Kevin Falconer responded saying the best way to support the businesses in Blyth, if not all of North Huron, was to make sure the Blyth Festival continues to operate. He pointed to the $5.6 million the Festival brings in to the community and says there is no way the township could match that spinoff.

Councillor Chris Palmer said he was fine with the move as long as it was explained this was not a precedent-setting move, but using “old money” that had already been allocated to the Festival.

On the hunt Late last month, Liz Allan, a member of the Brussels-based Maitland Valley Camera Club, found these four goslings near her Wroxeter home as they explored the beach on a cold, wet day. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan)

at

the edge of walton

green frogs

A male green frog and a green frog tadpole emerging this spring after overwintering in a pond

Scientific Name: Lithobates clamitans size: Maximum adult size is 10 cm Distribution: The Green Frog is native to Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

habitat: Green frogs may be found in or near virtually any shallow, permanent waterbodies such as springs, swamps, brooks, ponds and lakes. Young green frogs use temporary waterbodies in the summer and can be found in almost any pool or puddle in a natural area, including potholes on roads! These frogs hibernate underwater and bask along shorelines in the summer.

Characteristics: Did you know? A group of frogs is called an “Army”! fun facts about green frogs:

The green frog is a large frog with large, distinct tympani (eardrums) and two prominent dorsolateral folds (folds of skin that run partly down the back). It may be green, bronze, brown or even blue, or a combination of colours, but typically is green on the upper lip. The belly is white with darker lines or spots and occasionally has a yellow tinge. The hind legs have dark banding, and there may be irregular spotting on the back.

1.

To tell the difference between a male or a female green frog, look at the eardrums and the belly! If the eardrum is as bigger than the eye, and if the belly is yellow, it’s a male! Eardrum the same size as the eye and white belly? It’s a female!.

The male green frog begins calling in late spring to midsummer, and the species may breed as late as August. The female lays three or four small clutches of eggs, which are draped over submerged vegetation in permanent water. Don’t let the word “small” fool you, they can lay between 1000-5000 eggs!

The tadpoles overwinter in water before transforming the following summer.

Adult green frogs eat various small, mainly terrestrial invertebrates and, occasionally, small amphibians. The tadpoles eat suspended matter, organic debris, algae, plant tissue and very small organisms in water. The call of the green frog sounds like a loose banjo string: “GUNK-gunk-gunk-gunk”

2.

4.

3.

5.

green frogs at the edge of walton: We sometimes mistake green frogs for bull frogs! They have a lot of similarities, but bull frogs do not have the dorselateral folds that run down their backs - if you’re not paying attention it’s an easy mistake to make! Where do you have them at the Edge of Walton? In every body of water we have! From ponds on the motocross track to Lake Walton to the hidden ponds throughout the property - they are everywhere.

how to make a frog letter for a friend!

1. Fold a piece of paper in half, and decorate it like a pond (water, plants, bugs!)

2. Cut out two big circles and fold each one in half. Colour them green. Glue or tape to your card.

3. Cut out two smaller circles, fold in half and colour them pink or red (this is the mouth).

4. Glue or tape the mouth to the inside of your frog head that you have already glued to the card!

5. Draw eyes on the top of your frog head - make them big or small!

6. Draw the bodies of the frogs on your card. Bellies, legs, stripes, spots - you have lots of options.

7. Write a letter on the inside and mail it to your friend, grandparent or us!

8. Our address is: Harper Lee c/o Edge of Walton, 42932 Walton Road, Walton ON N0K 1Z0

The edge of walton is a registered non-profit organization and is located at 42932 walton road in walton, ontario

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020. PAGE 23.

Letter to the Editor

Garratt addresses 2020 season cancellation

Happier times Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt, seen here during his one performance acting in Wing Night at the Boot in 2018 alongside Georgina Beaty and Marion Day, is hoping the Festival will return to these happy days sooner rather than later. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Festival has been forced to close its doors for the 2020 season, but Garratt says the Festival will be back and better than ever when it’s all over. (File photo) THE EDITOR, A message to the Blyth Community: On April 1, 2020, for the first time in 46 years, we suspended the Blyth Festival summer season. At the time we made that decision it was already clear to us that whatever unfolded in the coming weeks, we would not be able to continue with the summer as planned. We couldn’t yet know what was coming, but we knew we had to act. We heard the call from public health officials like the tireless Dr.Theresa Tam and Dr. David Williams, and knew we had a duty to support their message. Sadly, one of the clearest ways for us to amplify their call was to lock our front door, and turn out the lights.

In the weeks since, we have learned the stark truth that the Blyth Festival will likely be one of the very last places in our community to reopen. We know now that the theatre will not reconvene until well after the scourge of COVID-19 is under control, until well after the curve has flattened, after community spread has been minimized and once a reliable treatment has been found.

At this point, we have had to cancel the contracts of all the actors,

directors, designers, technical personnel, stage managers, summer box office employees, concessions and bartenders. We’ve stopped short all of the drawings for sets and costumes, the sourcing of coloured gels for the lights, turned off the speakers, and there are no actors at home right now learning their lines.

We’ve unplugged the refrigerators, turned down the thermostats, and shut off the pilots on the stove.

This is the reality for today. None of us can change it. So we are trying to focus on tomorrow. Trying to focus on ‘Another Season’s Promise”.

We continue to do what we can to support our front-line health care workers. Our carpenters, painters, and props makers had a supply of N95 masks in our shop, and we donated them all to the hospital in Clinton. We offered up some of our now surplus artist housing as accommodations for medical personnel who need to be living separate from their families while they care for the afflicted.

And incredibly, in the midst of all of this, so many of you are caring for us.

The outpouring of support since

Happy 60 Anniversary th

Don and Maja Dodds May 7, 1960 Congratulations and love from Lynne & Ron, Paul & Kathy, Joan & Brookes and their families

we made the decision to suspend has been staggering. Our recent appeal for donations to help us sustain through this unprecedented time has been a constant miracle. Some of our amazing sponsors have guaranteed their unflinching support in spite of the terrible situation, and our individual donors keep stepping up every day. We are receiving surprise donations with short e-mails, or tiny cards (so many of you have such great stationary!) with much needed gifts to the theatre, as well as your personal stories, memories and hugely welcome words of encouragement. You’ve been writing us these beautiful accounts of how much meaning the theatre has brought to your lives, and how essential it is for you that the Festival still be standing when your grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, are ready to sit in the dark, surrounded by community, and

laugh, and listen, and think, and dream about our shared life as Canadians. The staff of the theatre have actually taken to reading many of these little notes to each other as we come upon them. I cannot possibly express to you how deeply we are touched, or how poignantly we feel the call of that responsibility, our very mission: to continue to give voice to the region and the country.

Our MPP, Lisa Thompson, called me personally last week to let me know that we could count on the support of the province through the Celebrate Ontario program. She made it clear, even if we can’t bring a season of plays to the stage this year, her government’s support for Blyth Festival is unwavering. So too did our federal funders at the Canada Council for the Arts; they stated emphatically that they are committed to Blyth for the long term. I don’t know how many villages in Canada can count on that kind of provincial and national support for their local arts centre, how many see a nationwide surge in donations to save their small town’s theatre Festival, but I think it’s pretty unique.

I think it speaks to the singularity of what our storytellers bring to our stage: plays as deeply rooted in the community as the building itself.

These playwrights who come to town and come to know the folks here, and try to tell our stories as we have lived them: I think of The Pigeon King collective, Christopher Morris’ Our Beautiful Sons: Remembering Matthew Dinning, Kelly McIntosh’s and my In the Wake of Wettlaufer (a play now unsettlingly prescient given the state of our longterm care system); I think about the hilarity of Mark Crawford’s New Canadian Curling Club or The Birds and the Bees; Marie Beath Badian’s runaway hit Prairie Nurse; Dan Needles’ The Team on the Hill last summer; I think too about epic works that dig deep into our history like The Outdoor Donnellys, or Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott; Anne Chislett’s Quiet in the Land, or the dynastic family dramas like Anne wrote with Keith Roulston, Another Season’s Promise and Another Season’s Harvest; the irrepressible Ted Johns’ He Won’t Come in from the Barn and Barnboozled. I think of Paul Ciufo’s

Reverend Jonah, former Seaforth Mayor David Scott’s The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom; I think of this past year’s inaugural Christmas hit A Huron County Christmas Carol with John Powers’ incredible songs.

And most especially today I think of these 2020 plays left waiting in the wings: Beth Kates, Kelly McIntosh, Emma Marcy and myself with Airborne: The Life and Legacy of Lorna Bray, Sophia Fabiilli’s relentlessly thigh slapping Liars at a Funeral, Dan Needles’ wit soaked sequel Fair Play, the tragic and triumphant Playing with Fire: The Theo Fleury Story, and the revival of our own Alice Munro premiere How I Met My Husband.

I know now, with whatever resembles certainty in these uncertain times, that we will not have a 2020 summer season in Blyth. It simply isn’t possible. And while it breaks my heart to share that with you, I also do so knowing that there is no other community like this, no deep grassroots arts festival that is lifted by so many hands, and that together we will show a dazzling kind of resilience. I know when the chance to reopen and rebuild arrives, that we will be able to count on you, and you will be able to count on us, and together we will reignite this extraordinary theatre.

I can’t say when, but it’s safe to say, we won’t be back for awhile. So please leave the porch light on for us. We are on our way home.

Gil Garratt Blyth Festival Artistic Director.

Happy 80th Birthday Carl Nesbitt May 7th

Love your family and friends

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The Citizen

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PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020.

Ethel man celebrated with extensive parade

A salute Les Stewart of Ethel was the subject of admiration and celebration on Saturday as dozens of cars, trucks and farm implements made their way through the small hamlet to say hi and thank him for his history of service to the community. Stewart was diagnosed with ALS one year ago and his day-to-day life has changed rapidly since. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On Saturday, dozens of trucks, cars, pieces of farm equipment and even a few horse-drawn carriages made their way through Ethel to celebrate Les Stewart, a long-time resident battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Stewart, who is 67, was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a year ago yesterday (May 6). Since then, his health has rapidly declined to the point that he has lost most of the use of his hands and legs.

Stewart began his working life as a farmer, but soon fell in love with the world of truck driving. He would spend over 40 years in the trade, working the bulk of his career with MacKinnon Transport Inc. of Guelph.

Jane Stewart, his wife of nearly 30

years, worked with some of Les’ former co-workers to arrange the parade. Less than a month ago, Stewart was in Brussels where she ran into some of her husband’s former co-workers and she floated the idea to them, saying that Les’ health was faltering.

The men got to work spreading the word and on Saturday dozens of vehicles made their way through Ethel, completely surprising Les and overwhelming Jane and the couple’s two daughters.

In addition to trucks from the Grey Fire Department, there were trucks from all over southwestern Ontario, including Woodstock, Guelph, London, Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Barrie and Burlington, as well as many local transportation companies.

In an interview with The Citizen on Monday, Les said it was “really

amazing” to see all of the support.

The parade was full of faces both new and old, including former colleagues and community members alike. Les said he was touched to see his former boss at MacKinnon make the trip.

Les retired from the trucking world in October, 2018 after 42 years in the industry. Jane says her husband began tripping over things, which prompted a doctor’s visit.

They had prepared for a number of possibilities, but ALS wasn’t one they had considered.

While Les says he wouldn’t wish the disease on his worst enemy, he says he has retained a positive outlook on life. He says he’s had a good life with a beautiful wife and amazing children, but he can’t help but think of the young children who face cancer treatment when they’re just a few years old. It’s important to keep things in perspective, he said, and to retain a sense of humour.

He also said he’s been truly blessed to live in the Ethel community. Neighbours and friends have been so supportive and helpful, including local Fire Chief Gary

Boyer of the Grey division of the Huron East Fire Department, who the Stewarts say they would be lost without.

While the couple was able to travel earlier this year, they had to cancel a cruise they were supposed to take in March and other family plans have been changed. One of their daughters was supposed to be married in July, but they moved up the wedding for several reasons, holding it at the family’s Ethel home late last month.

Jane said it was very special for her to celebrate her husband, who she calls a great man. She knew Les wouldn’t want a “pity party” but he was quite surprised when he saw the vehicles start to drive onto their street.

The Stewarts have been very involved in the community in their time in Ethel, volunteering and donating for years. Les said the kind of support they’ve received from the community is indicative of what it means to live in a small community.

You support the community and then the community is there to support you right back when you need it.

Books she will love

FEED THE BIRDS This book is the perfect resource for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike. Covering 196 bird species that are attracted to backyard feeders. A wide variety of feeders and seed types are discussed as well as bird behaviours. $29.95

FROM IRELAND TO THE QUEEN’S BUSH Author Arnold Mathers’ Irish roots run deep in these stories which weave a pattern about the romantic pioneers that were his ancestors. His great grandfathers came from Ireland and settled in Huron County. His mother’s family farm was called Queen’s Bush Valley Farm. $24.95

OUR LAND OF MILK AND HONEY The hard work and bravery of Dutch families who came to Canada after World War II is a story worth telling. B.B. Carmen Johnson recalls the 1948 journey of her family, the de Haans, to Huron and their experience since. $30.00

HOMEMADE & HAND-ME-DOWNS Arnold Mathers’ stories have been entertaining Rural Voice readers for years. This new collection of 46 stories includes 17 which haven’t been published in previous books.

Mathers sees the humour in the way we were. $24.95

GRANDMA YOU’RE THE BEST Humorous and inspirational quotes celebrating brilliant grandmothers by dozens of famous people, ranging from Mark Twain, the Dalai Lama and Audrey Hepburn to Homer Simpson. $13.95

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Quite a tribute Les Stewart and his wife Jane were on their front porch on Saturday to see dozens of people come by for a drive-by celebration. Les, who has been diagnosed with ALS, said it was amazing to see so many friends. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current issue for correct figures.

Incorrect payment will delay delivery.

$29.95 $24.95 $24.95 $30.00 $13.95 $19.95 Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

HONEY: NATURE’S GOLDEN HEALER Scientist, lecturer and beekeeper Gloria Havenhand demonstrates that honey is essential for healthy living, boosting the immune system and preventing diseases. Honey can benefit in everything from tonics to treatments. $19.95

The Citizen

Send cheque or money order for full amount to: Books: North Huron Publishing P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or call and pay by credit card 519-523-4792 MAIL BOOKS TO: Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______________________ Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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